Practicing Qualitative Research Under the 'Big Tent

Origins, Development, and Continuing Relevance of the Eight Big-Tent Framework for Qualitative Quality

Bibliographic Data

ID2387285
AuthorsSarah J Tracy (0000-0001-5229-2875, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA)
Year2025
Publication date2025-07-08
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Inquiry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1077-8004 • E-ISSN: 1552-7565
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/10778004251348167
OpenAlexW4412116050
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited56

Developed from a keynote delivered at the 21st Annual International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry (ICQI) in 2025, this article explores the joys and challenges of practicing qualitative research within the 'big-tent' framework-an inclusive and evolving space for diverse paradigms, methods, and voices. I reflect on the development and application of the Eight Big-Tent Framework, which I originally designed to help researchers craft rigorous, resonant, and impactful qualitative inquiry. The article discusses the distinction between end goals and the varied practices that support them, addresses common misreadings of the framework, and responds to critiques that have emerged over time. Emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and accessibility, I advocate for a vision of qualitative research that values both philosophical diversity and methodological coherence. Ultimately, I offer guidance for dwelling well in the Big Tent-encouraging research that is reflexive, service-oriented, and committed to human flourishing

Epistemology · Political science · Qualitative research · Quality (philosophy · Relevance (law · Sociology · Anthropology · Evaluation and Performance Assessment · Management and Organizational Studies · Philosophy · Psychology · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics