This paper argues that qualitative methods are especially appropriate for studying older families because they are better suited than survey data for conceptualizing interdependence. It further argues that the current availability of data from large-scale surveys has led family researchers down the wrong path if the interdependence of family members is to be recognized and explored in research. The absence of clearcut rules for conducting and presenting the products of qualitative research is suggested as a virtue rather than the drawback it is often presumed to be.
