Söderlund, Maud (2002). The purpose of this article is to show the distinctive features of three different qualitative approaches to research. To be able to reach a deeper understanding of the three scientific approaches chosen, I will start a methodological discussion by presenting three different approaches: the phenomenological, the hermeneutical and the phenomenographical approach and then examine them in order to clarify what kind of scientific knowledge they can generate with regard to caring science. The author’s opinion is that the patients’ perceptions of care depend on the unique educational process which is present in every culture and which influences people in each and every aspect of life. It makes caring a cultural matter and it calls attention to the processes of socialization and learning which traditionally would remain hidden or invisible. A case-study will be demonstrated. Than, I shall compare the approaches with one another in order to point out their similarity and difference. Lastly, I will argue for a way to describe what it can mean to a patient to be a patient in care giving settings.