Description

A practical, basic-skills text for qualitative research courses in any discipline.  Provides instruction and exercises on observing, interviewing, participating, interpreting and a number of other skills that are foundational to qualitative research.  Written in an exceptionally engaging style, the book introduces students to skills and then carefully and concretely helps students practice them.

Features

• NEW! Thorough and extensive updating of references and examples for qualitative research--Nearly 200 new references have been added, including many new online sources. Reflects currency and changes in the field. 
•   NEW! Updated exercises built into the text-- Designed as practical guides to help students through the process of preparing a qualitative research proposal, teaches students how to recognize each skill based on their own personal skills, and o modify those skills to meet the needs of the field.  Now even more practical and clearer in their focus and intent, these exercises offer a hands-on learning environment for readers. 
• NEW! Reorganization of chapter content-- Keeps the central vision and skills of qualitative research at the forefront, making for a more practical and user-friendly text. 
• Focus on critical skills needed to do qualitative research. Each chapter introduces a skill through a practical example and then leads the student through reflection and application so the skill is considered in line with the most current thinking.
• All major forms of qualitative research covered–Grounded theory, ethnography, case studies, narrative analysis, action research, hermeneutic inquiry. Strengths are highlighted for every different form of research, along with guidelines for when it would be good and not as good to use that particular form.
• Clear differences between qualitative and quantitative research outlined. Teaches students to value and to distinguish both methods of research and makes complex differences easy to grasp and to apply.
• Engaging–Covers even complex issues in a clear and readable manner. Makes this unique text an easy, enjoyable read for students.

New to this Edition

NEW! Thorough and extensive updating of references and examples for qualitative research--Nearly 200 new references have been added, including many new online sources. Reflects currency and changes in the field. 

NEW! Updated exercises built into the text-- Designed as practical guides to help students through the process of preparing a qualitative research proposal. Now even more practical and clearer in their focus and intent, these exercises offer a hands-on learning environment for readers.  Utilizes practical examples to teach students how to recognize each skill based on their own personal skills and modify those skills to meet the needs of the field. 

NEW! Reorganization of chapter content-- Keeps the central vision and skills of qualitative research at the forefront, making for a more practical and user-friendly text. 

Table of Contents

Chapter 1  Becoming a Skilled Qualitative Researcher

Chapter 2  Observing

Chapter 3  Conversing

Chapter 4  Participating

Chapter 5  Interpreting

Chapter 6  Questioning

Chapter 7  Data Gathering

Chapter 8  Analyzing

Chapter 9  Narrating

Chapter 10  Writing

Chapter 11  The Seven Deadly Sins of Qualitative Research

Chapter 12  Once and Future Qualitative Research

References

Index