Introducing Qualitative Research

Rosaline Barbour draws on her extensive teaching experience to provide a clear, user-friendly introduction to the craft of doing qualitative research. Each chapter includes examples of real-life qualitative data and a range of exercises to help students get a feel for the process of generating and analysing qualitative data. The second edition includes: New examples from a range of social science disciplines, making this the perfect book no matter what course you're studying More on unobtrusive methods of data collection, such as documentary analysis More on internet research methods, mixed methods and visual methods A new section on using software in qualitative research A brand new companion website full of additional lecturer and student resources.

Rosaline Barbour draws on her extensive teaching experience to provide a clear, user-friendly introduction to the craft of doing qualitative research. Each chapter includes examples of real-life qualitative data and a range of exercises to help students get a feel for the process of generating and analysing qualitative data. The second edition includes: New examples from a range of social science disciplines, making this the perfect book no matter what course you’re studying More on unobtrusive methods of data collection, such as documentary analysis More on internet research methods, mixed methods and visual methods A new section on using software in qualitative research A brand new companion website full of additional lecturer and student resources.

'The fourth edition of Uwe Flick's Introduction to Qualitative Research remains the most comprehensive and thorough text in qualitative research. It is student-and user-friendly, thoroughly up-to-date in terms of the latest developments in the field, imminently practical. it is the single most important introductory book on qualitative inquiry in the social sciences today' - Norman K. Denzin, University of Illinois The new edition of Uwe Flick's bestselling textbook has been fully revised, expanded and updated. An Introduction to Qualitative Research guides the student step-by-step through the research process of qualitative research. This classic text covers all of the main theoretical approaches to qualitative research, and provides unmatched coverage of the full range of different qualitative methods and approaches now available to researchers. A range of new features have been added to the new edition including: - New structure to better meet the needs of teaching qualitative research - A new chapter on Grounded Theory plus updated coverage on the full range of other qualitative methods - A summary section discussing the state-of-the-art in qualitative research - A glossary - Updated cases studies, exercises and guided questions This new edition will continue to ensure that An Introduction to Qualitative Research remains an essential introductory text for all students of qualitative research.

The updated Fourth Edition of Gretchen B. Rossman and Sharon F. Rallis’s popular introductory text leads the new researcher into the field by explaining the core concepts through theory, research, and applied examples. Woven into the chapters are three themes that are the heart of the book: first, research is about learning; second, research can and should be useful; and finally, a researcher should practice the highest ethical standards to ensure that a study is trustworthy. The Fourth Edition includes an elaborate discussion of systematic inquiry as well as a nuanced discussion of developing a conceptual framework.

"...a textbook much to be recommended...not only locates developments in how psychology has come to be seen in a clearly explained philosophical framework, but provides detailed accounts of a rich sample of current qualitative methodologies. The hard question of choice among methods is tackled 'up front', so that the strengths and weaknesses of each research practice are clearly presented...The device of establishing an epistemological standard and presenting each method in relation to it is original and helps to make clear how these seemingly disparate ways of investigation...can be brought together. The addition of substantial case studies in the use of qualitative methodologies as appendices is just what is needed...The clarity and detail of the exposition throughout is a model for books of this kind." - Rom Harre, Linacre College, Oxford and Georgetown University * Why use qualitative research in psychology? * How is qualitative research in psychology carried out? * What are the major debates and unresolved issues surrounding this form of research? Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology introduces students to the rationale behind qualitative research methods and provides clear guidance on how to carry out basic qualitative research. It describes and illustrates six distinct approaches to qualitative research in psychology, including grounded theory, interpretative phenomenology, case studies, discursive psychology, Foucauldian discourse analysis, and memory work. Each chapter introduces a different approach and its procedures and techniques for gathering and analysing data, setting out its advantages and disadvantages and discussing ways of writing up research. Useful features in support of the learning process include further reading at the end of each chapter and boxed discussions of the controversies surrounding each method. In addition, examples of work carried out by undergraduates, provided in three appendices, illustrate how qualitative research methods can be applied in practice within the real-world constraints of an undergraduate course. Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology is an invaluable resource for students at all levels who are new to qualitative research. It is particularly suited to the needs of research methods courses and for use in support of student research projects.

The authors—noted scholars and researchers—provide an up-to-date guide to qualitative study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Step by step, the authors explain a range of methodologies and methods for conducting qualitative research focusing on how they are applied when conducting an actual study. The book includes methods of data collection, specific approaches to qualitative research, and current issues in the field. Specifically, chapters cover the methods, designs, and analyses related to the methodologies of history, case study, program evaluation, ethnography, autoethnography, narrative, life histories, emancipatory discourses, feminist perspectives, African American inquiry, indigenous studies, and practitioner qualitative research.

An informative real-world guide to studying the "why" of human behavior Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods is a practical, comprehensive guide to the collection and presentation of qualitative data. Unique in the market, this book describes the entire research process — from design through writing — illustrated by examples of real, complete qualitative work that clearly demonstrates how methods are used in actual practice. This updated fourth edition includes all new case studies, with additional coverage of mixed methods, non-sociological settings, funding, and a sample interview guide. The studies profiled are accompanied by observation field notes, and the text includes additional readings for both students and instructors. More than just theory, this guide is designed to give you a real-world practitioner's view of how qualitative research is handled every step of the way. Many different disciplines rely on qualitative research as a method of inquiry, to gain an in-depth understanding of human behavior and the governing forces behind it. Qualitative research asks "why" and "how," and the data is frequently complex and difficult to measure. This book shows you how to effectively handle qualitative work, regardless of where it's being applied. Understand the strengths and limitations of qualitative data Learn how experts work around common methodological issues Compare actual field notes to the qualitative studies they generated Examine the full range of qualitative methods throughout the research process Whether you're studying sociology, psychology, marketing, or any number of other fields, especially in the social and behavioral sciences, human behavior is the central concern of your work. So what drives human behavior? That's what qualitative research helps to explain. Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods gives you the foundation you need to begin seeking answers.

Introducing Qualitative Research in Psychology is a vital resource for students new to qualitative psychology. It explains when each qualitative research method should be used, the procedures and techniques involved, and any limitations associated with such research. Throughout the new edition, material has been re-organized and updated to reflect developments in the field, while Carla Willig's style of writing, popular with students and lecturers alike, remains unchanged. Key features of the new edition include: •Two new chapters, one on metasynthesis and one on pluralism in qualitative research •A broadening the Visual Methodologies chapter to include other non-linguistic methods of data collection that engage with the physical environment, such as the walking interview and object elicitation •Information and analysis on innovative dissemination methods such as performances and exhibitions •Expanded coverage of the core question, “What makes qualitative research ‘research’?”, including clear explanations of the key tenets of the scientific method •'But it's not as simple as all that' boxes at the end of each chapter, where more complex issues, theoretical critiques and conceptual challenges are raised. This title is supported by an Online Learning Centre, which includes an array of extra resources for both students and instructors. “This book is a vital resource and a valuable reference, both for those new to research and for those looking to further develop their skills and knowledge of qualitative research in psychology.” Nollaig Frost, Adjunct Professor, School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Ireland “This exceptionally well-written text deserves a place in every psychology researcher’s toolkit, regardless of their career stage.” Benjamin Gardner, Reader in Social Psychology, King’s College London, UK “Readers of this text will find it to be accessible and comprehensive. It will enable many people to become confident in conducting their own qualitative research.” Alex Bridger, Senior Lecturer in Critical Social Psychology, University of Huddersfield, UK Carla Willig is Professor of Psychology at City, University of London, UK. She is the author of numerous bestselling books for Psychology students and is widely admired for her friendly, practical approach to writing and to teaching.