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What is qualitative research? If we look for a precise definition of qualitative research, and specifically for one that addresses its distinctive feature of being “qualitative,” the literature is meager. In this article we systematically search, identify and analyze a sample of 89 sources using or attempting to define the term “qualitative.” Then, drawing on ideas we find scattered across existing work, and based on Becker’s classic study of marijuana consumption, we formulate and illustrate a definition that tries to capture its core elements. We define qualitative research as an iterative process in which improved understanding to the scientific community is achieved by making new significant distinctions resulting from getting closer to the phenomenon studied. This formulation is developed as a tool to help improve research designs while stressing that a qualitative dimension is present in quantitative work as well. Additionally, it can facilitate teaching, communication between researchers, diminish the gap between qualitative and quantitative researchers, help to address critiques of qualitative methods, and be used as a standard of evaluation of qualitative research.

Uncertainty is an intriguing aspect of social life. Uncertainty is epistemic,future-oriented, and implies that we can neither predict nor foresee what will happenwhen acting. In cases in which no institutionalized certainty about future states exists,or can be generated, judgment is needed. This article presents the forms by whichuncertainty is reduced as a result of judgments made about different alternatives in aprocess involving several actors. This type of uncertainty may exist, for example, aboutwhich artist is the best, which offer in the market is more valuable, which football teamis better than all the rest, or which research proposal will get a grant. The result ofdifferent forms of uncertainty reduction is increased certainty concerning alternatives inrelation to one another, such as good and bad, rank lists, scores, quality assessment, andBwinner and losers.^ Based on the result, uncertainty is reduced and action is facilitated.The forms are structural and comprise roles; may be legitimate in a smaller or largerdomain; and may exist in all spheres of life, as exemplified in sports competitions, inlabor markets, and in the ranking of universities. Three forms of uncertainty reductionbased on judgment are identified in this article: (1) decision, made by an authority; (2)valuation, by means of which order arises as a result of actors ascribing values; and (3)contest, by which an order is the result of direct struggle.

Patrik Aspers is professor of sociology at Uppsala University (Uppsala Universitet). Maya Shmidt conducted this interview in Uppsala, Sweden, in September 2016. Aspers introduces readers to different academic paths by presenting his own experience of becoming a sociologist and comparing the structural and cultural differences between the American, British, and European academic contexts. During the conversation, Aspers discusses the field of economic sociology and highlights opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation. Particularly, he notes that sociology has exported certain ideas to other disciplines, and due to the field's enduring tradition, extensive theoretical literature and ability to distinguish between and combine different research methods, there is no danger of "blurring" within cooperative efforts. Influenced by Harrison White's theory, Aspers develops a typology of different market forms. He argues that markets, when taken apart, do not look the same: they take different forms, and each requires its own construction of theoretical concepts that can account for the variety in the empirical reality. Aspers emphasizes the significance of clarifying and reflecting upon knowledge as elements of pre-study ("vorstudie") when it comes to qualitative research. He develops an empirical phenomenology method and presents it as a step-by-step procedure for conducting qualitative research.(1)

Ontology – or, to use the older term, metaphysics – is a branch of philosophy concerned with what there is, how it is, and what forms of being there are. Though early sociologists were acquainted with philosophy, most contemporary social scientists have discussed ontology from what is best described as an extension of epistemic questions or as an empirical field of study. It is difficult to see that sociologists' attempts to study ontology have resulted in quality improvements in sociological research. Philosophical ideas as developed for example by Martin Heidegger represent a largely unexplored potential for social scientists who are interested in ontology.