Innovations in Qualitative Research

The series aims to cultivate innovative forms of doing and theorizing qualitative research according to open science principles in the fields of psychology, sociology, anthropology, developmental sciences, educational studies, philosophy, and their interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary forms, which can dialogue with humanities, developmental science, ecology and art. 

The series encourages young and innovative scholars, particularly focusing on new edge and groundbreaking qualitative studies coming from the new emerging perspectives in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Besides, the series also publishes books about indigenous epistemologies, and “forgotten” or “overlooked” methods and constructs in the history of qualitative social sciences.  

The editorial philosophy is based on the following principles: 

Every product of human experience is a legitimate object of investigation. There is an implicit axiom that “data” must be produced here and now as result of a contingent stimulation. This series will cover the original use of any kind of qualitative data (from interviews to theatre, from novels to painting and blogs) as legitimate “datum”.  

The creative nature of qualitative research is more important than its standardization. The series values qualitative science as a form of art. Art is indeed not just free-flowing creativity, it has a method. As any other human activity, it is constrained and socially guided production of meaning. Yet this methodical improvisation grasps the totality, immediacy and profundity of human experience. What can social sciences learn from this unexcelled way of exploring the psyche?  

The craftsmanship of qualitative researcher implies often a carving methodology and tools, not the lavish application of standard procedures. Ways of knowing must be non-extractivist, and non-colonialist, on the contrary they must strive for open, participatory, inclusive, just, and fair scientific production.