Kubinowski's Jakościowe Badania Pedagogiczne (Qualitative Pedagogical Research) is a seminal work in Polish pedagogical literature that provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, methodologies, and ethical considerations of qualitative research in the field of education. At its core, it offers a critical alternative to positivist approaches that traditionally dominated pedagogical inquiry.
The central concept underpinning Kubinowski's work is the notion of understanding (rozumienie). He argues that qualitative research aims not merely to explain phenomena through causal relationships, but rather to interpret and understand the meanings that individuals and groups ascribe to their experiences within educational contexts. This involves delving into the subjective realities of students, teachers, and other stakeholders.
The book meticulously outlines various qualitative methodologies, including case studies (studium przypadku), ethnography (etnografia), grounded theory (teoria ugruntowana), and narrative inquiry (badania narracyjne). Each methodology is presented with detailed explanations of its theoretical foundations, data collection techniques (such as interviews, observations, and document analysis), and data analysis strategies. A key emphasis is placed on the iterative and reflexive nature of qualitative research, highlighting the importance of the researcher's role in shaping the research process and interpreting the findings.
Furthermore, Kubinowski's work emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of qualitative researchers. He stresses the need for informed consent, confidentiality, and sensitivity to the power dynamics inherent in research relationships. The book serves as a valuable resource for students and researchers seeking to conduct rigorous and ethically sound qualitative studies in education, promoting a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the complexities of the educational landscape. Validity and reliability, redefined within a qualitative framework, are also discussed in detail.