The Potential Contribution Of Qualitative Research To Property Education, Theory And Practice

Much of the research published in the property discipline consists of work utilising quantitative methods. While research gained using quantitative methods, if appropriately designed and rigorous, leads to results which are typically generalisable and quantifiable, it is not particularly useful when the aim is to gain rich and in-depth understanding of a phenomenon. Such an aim would require using a qualitative research methodology, and a change from the current dominant theoretical perspective, that is, positivism to a more interpretive or subjective theoretical perspective. Many property researchers are reluctant to undertake qualitative research or recognise its potential contribution to the property discipline due to what they consider as a lack of rigour, reliability, validity and generalisability. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how we can achieve rigorous, reliable and valid property research by using an interpretive theoretical perspective and qualitative methodology. This is achieved by describing how a conceptual framework was developed using a case study relating to client influence on valuation. We discuss the reasons for using a constructionist theoretical perspective and case study methodology to overcome some of the problems of previous research using quantitative methodology relating to the reporting of valuation and the lack of understanding regarding the reasons for biases in valuation reports. Using examples from our case study, we discuss the issues relating to generalisibility and trustworthiness and suggest some solutions to these issues.