Abstract

PENNA, Eloisa M. D.. The Jungian paradigm within the context of a qualitative research methodology. Psicol. USP [online]. 2005, vol.16, n.3, pp. 71-94. ISSN 1678-5177.

The article discusses the Jungian paradigm and its interface with a qualitative research methodology and post modern science. First the basic assumptions of modern science are explained and the evolution towards the current concept of post modern science. The philosophical and epistemological roots of C.G.Jung’s thought and the main characteristics of a qualitative method are described in order to contextualize the Jungian method for investigating the psyche within a qualitative research panorama. The analytical psychology of C.G.Jung is presented based on the current concept of paradigm - which involves three fundamental elements &– ontology, epistemology and methodology &– articulated and interconnected in a consistent and coherent manner. Thus method results from ontological and epistemological perspectives. Through the notion of totality, collective and personal conscious and unconscious, knowledge is acquired by the possibility to access the unconscious through the symbols and the method of psychic investigation concerns the symbol apprehension and its comprehension is conducted by the researcher’s symbolic processing of data.

Keywords : Jungian psychology; Qualitative research; Science; Symbol.

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