Qualitative research in psychology: Why this methodology?

Abstract

The article builds up on arguments which favor the use of qualitative research in psychology, for this purpose limitations of quantitative research, as the predominant methodological perspective in psychology are presented. The quantitative dominance has prevented psychology from addressing sensitive topics, as these do not comply with research criteria established by this approach, thus limiting the thematic diversity which should characterize a social science, such as psychology.

The arguments presented may be understood as ontological, that is traditional themes to the discipline or opening towards other objects awaiting answers from psychology; epistemological, as relationship with arts and methodological, continuing with reports accessible to peer audiences, or opening the text by rehearsing other styles.