Some topics for qualitative research in psychology are unsuitable for or cannot be adapted to the traditional qualitative designs such as case study, ethnography, grounded theory, or phenomenology. This paper explores reasons for this, and proposes that psychological researchers can use a generic qualitative design in such situations. After discussing the types of topics most suitable for a generic qualitative design, the paper differentiates generic qualitative designs from the more traditional qualitative designs, with particular attention to how generic qualitative inquiry differs from phenomenological psychological research. Finally, appropriate procedures for data collection and for thematic data analysis in a generic model are discussed and described in detail.
William H. Percy, PhD, was trained in qualitative methodologies at the Union Institute, where he received his PhD in Family Social Science in 1982. After practicing psychology and family therapy in Minneapolis for ten years, he joined the faculty of the Capella University, first in the Human Services department in 1996, and then the Harold Abel School of Psychology in 1998, where he served in various roles, including Director of Residence, Acting Director of Field Training, and core faculty. He served on the University Institutional Review Board for many years, and was instrumental, with Drs. Sandra and Kim Kostere, and Dr. Malcolm Gray in developing much of the infrastructure of the research programs for the Department of Psychology. Percy retired in 2012, and now writes novels in Idaho. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: Dr. William H. Percy at Email: bill.percy@capella.edu or Phone: 208-264-1116
Kim Kostere has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He graduated from The Union Institute in 1989. He also has a Psy.S. in Humanistic and Clinical Psychology and Education, from the Center for Humanistic Studies. Dr. Kostere is a Licensed Psychologist and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Michigan. Dr. Kostere is a Clinical Member in AAMFT. He has over 20 years of experience in the field of psychotherapy and health care administration. Dr. Kostere’s research background is in qualitative research. He studied with both Clark Moustakas and Bruce Douglass. His master’s thesis and dissertation were both qualitative heuristic in design. He is currently faculty at Capella University and has been faculty since December, 1999. Dr. Kostere teaches advanced qualitative analysis, has designed courses, and mentors qualitative dissertations. He is currently serving as an Assistant Editor at The Qualitative Report. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: Dr. Kim Kostere at E-mail: kim.kostere@capella.edu
Sandra Kostere has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She graduated from The Union Institute in 1989. She also has a Psy.S. in Humanistic and Clinical Psychology and Education, from the Center for Humanistic Studies. Dr. Kostere is a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Michigan and has over 20 years of experience in the field of psychotherapy and health care administration. Dr. Kostere’s research background is in qualitative research. She studied with both Clark Moustakas and Bruce Douglass. Her master’s thesis and dissertation were both qualitative heuristic in design. She is currently faculty at Capella University and has been faculty since December, 1999. Dr. Kostere teaches advanced qualitative analysis, has designed courses, and mentors qualitative dissertations. She is currently serving on the Editorial Board of The Qualitative Report. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: Dr. Sandra Kostere at E-mail: Sandra.kostere@capella.edu or Phone: 239-775-4775
