Demystifying Qualitative Research for Musculoskeletal Practitioners Part 2: Understanding the Foundations of Qualitative Research

SYNOPSIS: In this second editorial about qualitative research for musculoskeletal practitioners, we turn our attention to the foundational assumptions that underpin all qualitative research. Specifically, we discuss research paradigms, which consist of ontological and epistemological assumptions, as well as the "lens" of the researcher. Understanding these foundational assumptions will help readers interpret the findings of qualitative studies relevant to a musculoskeletal context. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(12):559-561. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0113