Qualitative Research Methods and Epistemological Frameworks: A Review of Publication Trends in Entrepreneurship

Though recent assessments of the entrepreneurship field scan the focus, models, purpose, techniques, and data of articles, one area receives less attention: the study of qualitative papers in entrepreneurship, more specifically epistemological frameworks and data analysis methods. This review includes all 111 qualitative papers published between 2007 and 2012 in Journal of Business Venturing, Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, and Entrepreneurship and Regional Development. The research outlines key methodological issues, examines recent qualitative methodological practices, and identifies new trends. It aims at contributing to a debate about publishing practices, concentrating on qualitative studies, and offers recommendations for researchers seeking to publish.