title: Constructivism: a naturalistic methodology for nursing inquiry.
abstract: This article will explore the philosophical underpinnings of the constructivist research paradigm. Despite its increasing popularity in evaluative health research studies there is limited recognition of constructivism in popular research texts. Lincoln and Guba's original approach to constructivist methodology is outlined and a detailed framework for nursing research is offered. Fundamental issues and concerns surrounding this methodology are debated and differences between method and methodology are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Nursing School of Health and Human Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield.
authors.forename: J V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Appleton
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D012107:Research Design