Jensen G M
Division of Physical Therapy, School of Health Related Professions, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294.
Phys Ther. 1989 Jun;69(6):492-500. doi: 10.1093/ptj/69.6.492.
Qualitative research methods have special relevance for physical therapy. Qualitative methods provide researchers with the tools to examine social settings and human behavior. The methods are well suited to studying the complex, multidimensional environments present in physical therapy practice and education. A thorough understanding of research methodology is a necessary prerequisite for disciplined research. This article presents an overview of the philosophy underlying qualitative research, a discussion of the application of qualitative methods, and a brief analysis of how to address reliability and validity concerns in qualitative research. Increased understanding of what qualitative research is and how it can be done should promote disciplined qualitative research in physical therapy.
定性研究方法对物理治疗具有特殊的相关性。定性方法为研究人员提供了审视社会环境和人类行为的工具。这些方法非常适合研究物理治疗实践和教育中存在的复杂、多维度的环境。对研究方法的透彻理解是严谨研究的必要前提。本文概述了定性研究的基本理念，讨论了定性方法的应用，并简要分析了如何解决定性研究中的可靠性和有效性问题。对定性研究是什么以及如何进行定性研究的更多理解，应该会促进物理治疗领域严谨的定性研究。
