Qualitative Single-Case Research in Practice: A Necessary, Reliable, and Valid Alternative for Music Therapy Research

Author(s): Langenberg, Mechtild, Aigen, Kenneth, Frommer, Jörg

Journal/Book: Qualitative Music Therapy Research. Beginning Dialogues. 1996; Gilsum, NH. Barcelona Publishers. 35-54.

Abstract: One of six "Monologues" on Qualitative research methodology and epistemology in Music Therapy. A discussion of the necessity for doing qualitative single-case reserach in music therapy, and how to do it. Smeijsters demonstrates how reliability and validity can be ensured in a scientific single case study. The important questions are: "Has the phenomenon been represented as completely as possible? Has the phenomenon been adequately conceptualized? Is enough known about factors influencing the phenomenon? And, in what respects is the phenomenon similar to other phenomena and in what respects different? Factors such as reliability, construct validity, internal and external validity are all issues qualitative researchers must take into account."

Note: Smeijters represent in my opinion on end of the spectrum og qualitative research in MT: Preserving the standardsand concepts of traditional. quantitative research methodology. In the other end of the spectrum I see Kenneth Aigen (in this volume represented by the article The Role of Values in Qualitative Music Therapy Research (p. 9-34). Aigen wants to develop an indigenous reserach paradigm, purely qualitative, relevant to MT practice, and research conducted by clinicians.

Keyword(s): Research Methodology. Theory of Science. Case study. Design

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