A Gadamerian hermeneutic approach to ethnographic construction research

In undertaking the knowledge development process of empirical research it is well recognised that a variety of philosophies of approach are available to the researcher. Whilst accepting that issues relating to both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research have been extensively presented, this paper provides for a clarification of the meaning applied to the data and findings within one 'variety' of philosophical approach to ethnographic construction research - the Gadamerian hermeneutic approach. This Gadamerian approach to the research process has been practiced within the author's PhD study of undergraduate construction education. Through its utilisation the researcher has realised that literature relating to knowledge developing construction research, as viewed from a non-enlightenment, post-modern perspective, is thin and unexpanded. This deficiency is unacceptable as an informed process of consideration is essential for the appreciation of both the means to enable the research purpose, and the implications and limitations of that purpose. As such this paper presents and in so doing informs the reader, with reference to the author's research, of a Gadamerian hermeneutic approach to construction research, and the post-modern context in which findings and resultant empirical knowledge must be considered.