Methodological assumptions consist of the assumptions made by the researcher regarding the methods used in the process of qualitative research (Creswell 2003). The procedures used by the researcher are inductive and are based on the researcher’s own experience in collecting and analyzing data. The research here is the product of the values of the researcher. Through an inductive approach, raw textual data is condensed into a brief, summary format. Clear links are established between research objectives and summary findings derived from raw data. A framework of the underlying structure of experiences or processes that are evident from the raw data is developed.

In adopting this approach the research questions might change in the middle of the study so that the research problem is better understood. Due to this, the strategy to collect data, which is usually developed before the study begins, has to be modifies to accommodate new questions. The researcher analyzes the data to develop an in-depth knowledge about the topic under consideration.

Application of Methodological Assumptions to Qualitative Research:

The main question addressed by these assumptions is: What is the process of research? Here the researcher uses an inductive logic, studies the topic within its context, and the employs the emerging framework/model. The researcher works with the details and specific information before generalizing. He then describes the context of the study in detail. Through the experiences that the researcher gains from the field, the research questions are continually revised (Guba, E., & Lincoln, Y. S. (1988). Do inquiry paradigms imply inquiry methodologies? In D. M. Fetterman (Ed.), Qualitative approaches to evaluation in education (89-115)).