Introducing Qualitative Research In Psychology

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.

"...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.

Qualitative Research Methods for Psychologists is a collection of 14 original articles that teaches readers how to conduct qualitative research. Instead of characterizing and justifying certain methods, the contributors show by means of actual research studies what assumptions, procedures, and dilemmas they encountered. Fischer's introduction, which emphasizes the practical nature of qualitative research and the closing chapter, which uses a question-and-answer format to investigate, among other subjects, what is scientific about qualitative research, are complemented by a glossary and other features that increase the book's utility and value. Addresses a range of practical examples from different traditions such as phenomology, grounded theory, ethnography and discourse analysis through actual case studies Discusses various methodology and combinations of methods like assimilation analysis, dialogal approach, intuitive inquiry, and conceptual encounter Terms are defined within chapters and/or in a glossary Helps readers bridge from experimental to qualitative methods Provides in-depth, philosophically grounded, and compelling research findings Includes practical introduction about steps in qualitative research

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 is a vital resource for students new to qualitative psychology. It offers a clear introduction to the topic by taking eight different approaches to qualitative methods and explaining when each one 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. Together with wider coverage of conceptual issues and epistemological & theoretical challenges in qualitative research, this third edition boasts three new methods chapters: Thematic Analysis, Narrative Analysis and Visual Methodologies. Three additional chapters on Qualitative Research Design & Data Collection, The Role of Interpretation and Putting Together A Research Proposal will be invaluable to students and researchers during conceptual preparation. This edition contains more interactive exercises and discussion points in order to help students understand what they are learning, as well as three qualitative research reports written by students. The third edition is supported by a new Online Learning Centre www.openup.co.uk/willig with resources for lecturers and students. With contributions from Sarah Jane Dryden, Caroline Silcock and Joanna Silver. "All students of qualitative research in psychology will find a wealth of information in Carla Willig's book. With its expanded sections and detailed consideration of concepts, techniques and applications of qualitative research, the interactive approach taken in this book is ably supported by extensive research examples. As usual with Carla Willig's clear and detailed writing style, this book will give both new and existing researchers the opportunity to think clearly about their use of qualitative research and its methods." Dr Nollaig Frost, Senior Lecturer, Psychology, Middlesex University, UK "A tour de force from an expert guide which grounds students in the lexicon of qualitative psychology, before explicating a range of major methodologies. Students will appreciate many worked examples, and will be stimulated by the coverage of contemporary innovations, issues and debates - an invaluable textbook." Professor Brendan Gough, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK "In just over a decade, Carla Willig's book has become one of the key introductory texts in the field. Many of my students and supervisees have enjoyed reading it - finding complex issues and debates have been explained in an accessible manner. This latest edition includes helpful advice on writing a research proposal, some newer research methods and discussion about the future of qualitative research. In addition, there are new chapters on epistemology and interpretation which I think my students will find particularly valuable as these are often the most challenging topics when one is new to qualitative research." Dr David Harper, Reader in Clinical Psychology, University of East London, UK "Once again, Carla Willig has produced a wonderfully clear account of how and why qualitative methods ought be used to answer psychological questions. Not only does Willig examine key theories, ethics and debates surrounding the use and interpretation of qualitative data, she shows us 'how' to do it - step by step, with a tremendous sense of balance and integrity. This new edition covers some of the more recent debates in qualitative research, contains new examples of how to design, carry out and approach analysis in qualitative methods and lots of useful questions that researchers ask themselves along the way. My students have used Willig's writings on qualitative methods for many years as they can understand and engage with it. There is simply no other equivalent text in psychology to rival Willig's - her clarity, conviction and sheer brilliance in putting difficult ideas on methods into plain language is something students in psychology will relish for a very long time to come." Paula Reavey, Professor of Psychology, London South Bank University, UK "In writing this text originally, Carla Willig argued that, unlike quantitative research (where the aim is to follow a set of rules and get them 'right'), qualitative research is more about 'having adventures'. From the start it sounds a lot more fun, and certainly a lot more interesting! And it was. Students and lecturers alike appreciate its lively, practical approach, its very clear and elegant writing, its use of clever examples of students' own work and its lucid explanations of the theory underpinning methods and methodologies. This new, third edition is a real triumph. It's more comprehensive and it's bang up to date, with three additional new chapters, more examples of student projects, and overall an even more systematic approach. It is, in my view, the most approachable and person-friendly text around introducing qualitative research in psychology, and a great opportunity to 'boldly go', have adventures, and really get to grips with doing qualitative research." Wendy Stainton Rogers, Professor Emerita, Faculty of Health and Social Care, The Open University, UK

Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology by Dennis Howitt provides a comprehensive, practical and up to date coverage of the area. For the fourth edition, the text has been extensively revised for easier reading and comprehension. With a clear and straightforward style, the book introduces qualitative research from data collection to analysis. Examples of real research and practical guidance for each methodological approach are included throughout to equip the reader with an understanding of the process and the skills to be able to carry out their own research. There are also dedicated sections on ethics, quality and report writing. All of this is achieved while providing a thorough theoretical and historical context for the qualitative methods. With an increased focus on helping students to develop the practical skills for carrying out qualitative research, this 4th edition includes examples of how the theory can be put into practice throughout. Examples of qualitative reports, with annotated commentary give students a clear idea how to write up a report. The text covers a range of methods evaluating each in a constructive, non-partisan way.

“An introduction to the varieties of qualitative research in psychology is long overdue, and Parker’s book should with its broad scope, accessible style, and controversial viewpoints on trends of the current qualitative wave, have a wide audience.†Steinar Kvale, Aarhus University, Denmark “This is a wonderful, insightful and necessary book…It takes students through this complex terrain in a clear, readable and yet challenging way.†Bronwyn Davies, University of Western Sydney, Australia “This book makes important contributions to theoretical, political and methodological debates on qualitative and action oriented research.†Bernardo Jiménez-Domínguez, Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico "For me personally, the book worked very well, I very much appreciated the fact that the book went beyond a presentation of 'the state of the art', and that it offered new ideas and suggestions about how to take qualitative research further." Qualitative Research in Psychology This book is designed as a practical guide for students that is also grounded in the latest developments in theory in psychology. Readers are introduced to theoretical approaches to ethnography, interviewing, narrative, discourse and psychoanalysis, with each chapter on these approaches including worked examples clearly structured around methodological stages. A case is made for new practical procedures that encourage students to question the limits of mainstream psychological research methods. Resource links guide students to theoretical debates and to ways of making these debates relevant to a psychology genuinely concerned with critical reflection and social change. The book includes numerous boxes that clearly outline: Key issues in the development, application and assessment of qualitative research methods Current debates and problems with particular qualitative methods taught in psychology Summaries of methodological stages and points to be aware of in the marking of practical reports in relation to specific methods Coverage of ethical issues, reflexivity and good report writing Qualitative Psychologyis essential reading for students of psychology and other related social sciences who want a polemical account that will also serve as a well-balanced and rigorous introduction to current debates in qualitative psychology.

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.

This comprehensive introduction to Qualitative Methods in Psychology offers step by step practical advice and guidance on a range of important topics in this field. The qualitative researcher must learn how to collate data effectively in order to understand behaviour in a natural setting, how to understand an experience from the perspective of the research participant and also how to understand the meanings people give to their experience. Illustrative research studies throughout this book provide a picture of how different methods have been used to answer real research questions. Key concepts outline important terms and ideas; each chapter adopts a common structure to explain what each method encompasses, how to use it, and when to use it. Every chapter ends with recommended resources for further study including books, journal articles, and web pages as appropriate. Chapter overview and summaries provide a useful framework to help guide study and revision. The book is supported by a fantastic companion website www.pearsoned.co.uk/Howitt featuring a range of great resources to help students consolidate their understanding of qualitative methods. Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology will equip the researcher with the ability and knowledge to collate and analyse data, whilst taking into account ethical considerations, to enable them to write up their qualitative research report.