Research Methodologies Related to Pharmacy Practice: An Overview

Abstract

This chapter considers the research methodologies presented throughout the book in relation to their philosophical basis. Qualitative research is related to the interpretative perspective, and quantitative research to the empirical perspective. Thus, the right or wrong way of ‘doing research’ depends on the standpoint of the individuals conducting or judging the work. Viewed in this way, the very definition of pharmacy practice research can be brought into question, and the reader is nudged to think about their own acceptance of what is and what is not likely to lead to meaningful data within the context of the book’s chapters.