At the center of conventional social science methodology is the deductive-nomological model of causal explanation. Proponents of qualitative research present their own paradigm in contrast and claim that their scientific theoretical conception allows for a more adequate understanding of social reality because it dispenses with invariant laws, practices understanding instead of explanation, and relies on inductive theory formation. But does the qualitative research approach live up to its claim of methodological independence? Is its epistemological program truly more effective than that of critical rationalism and analytical science theory?.