Naturalistic Inquiry

Characteristics of Naturalistic Research

Naturalistic inquiry involves the study of a single case, usually a self-identified group or community. Self-identified group members are conscious of boundaries that set them apart from others. When qualitative (naturalistic) researchers select a case for study, they do so because it is of interest in its own right. The aim is not to find a representative case from which to generalize findings to other, similar individuals or groups. It is to develop interpretations and local theories that afford deep insights into the human experience.

Naturalistic inquiry is conducted in the field, within communities, homes, schools, churches, hospitals, public agencies, businesses, and other settings. Naturalistic researchers spend large amounts of time interacting directly with participants. The researcher is the research instrument, engaging in daily activities and conversations with group members to understand their experiences and points of view. Within this tradition, language is considered a key source of insight into socially constructed worlds. Researchers record participants’ words and actions in detail with minimal interpretation. Although focused on words, narratives, and discourse, naturalistic researchers learn through all of their senses. They collect data at the following experiential levels: cognitive, social, affective, physical, and political/ideological. This strategy adds [Page 881]depth and texture to the body of data qualitative researchers describe, analyze, and interpret.

Naturalistic researchers study research problems and questions that are initially stated broadly then gradually narrowed during the course of the study. In non-naturalistic, experimental research designs, terms are defined, research hypotheses stated, and procedures for data collection established in advance before the study begins. In contrast, qualitative research designs develop over time as researchers formulate new understandings and refine their research questions. Throughout the research process, naturalistic researchers modify their methodological strategies to obtain the kinds of data required to shed light on more focused or intriguing questions. One goal of naturalistic inquiry is to generate new questions that will lead to improved observations and interpretations, which will in turn foster the formulation of still better questions. The process is circular but ends when the researcher has created an account that seems to capture and make sense of all the data at hand.

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