The Craft Of Qualitative Longitudinal Research

Brimming with life maps, life history calendars, and extracts from transcripts and diaries, this book illustrates by example the unique principles, challenges, and applications of qualitative longitudinal research. Synthesizing current literature on qualitative longitudinal research, it brings together sociological theory and empirically driven longitudinal studies while also highlighting a range of possible research approaches. With a consistent balance of conceptual discussions with hands-on advice, it provides readers with the foundation to adapt lessons-learned from other researchers to fit their own qualitative longitudinal studies. Supported by research tools such as conceptual road maps, short data extracts, consent forms, and other data organization tools, this book provides everything postgraduate researchers need to transition from the classroom to the field.

First published Open Access under a Creative Commons license as What is Qualitative Longitudinal Research?, this title is now also available as part of the Bloomsbury Research Methods series. This volume offers a new introduction to an evolving research method in the social sciences. Qualitative Longitudinal (QL) research is conducted through time. In its qualitative dimensions it opens up the potential to 'think dynamically' in creative, flexible and innovative ways. QL enquiry is rooted in a long-established tradition of qualitative temporal research, spanning the fields of social anthropology, sociological re-studies and biographical research. But over the past two decades, a growing body of scholarship has begun to document this approach and explore its theoretical underpinnings. This in turn has fuelled a growing interest in and rapid uptake of QL methodology across the disciplines and in international context. This practical volume will be a first port of call for students and researchers wishing to use QL research in their own projects. The chapters follow a logical development, from conceptual and methodological foundations, to research practice and ethics, to the generation and analysis of data. Each chapter offers practical examples drawn from the research field to illustrate key themes and the rich possibilities for new applications.

Mary Lynne Derrington’s Qualitative Longitudinal Methods: Researching Implementation and Change addresses the use of the qualitative longitudinal methods, their unique methodological features, and the challenges and benefits to this approach. This short supplemental text uses examples of published studies, and the author’s own stories and examples, to show application of the concepts. A chapter on how to prepare a manuscript for publication concentrates on the distinctive aspects of publishing longitudinal studies. The book will be useful to those researching change and its impact on organizations and individuals resulting from the implementation of programs and policies.

The Craft of Qualitative Research is a consultative handbook that offers students a superb introduction to the practice of conducting qualitative research. Kleinknecht, van den Scott, and Sanders bring together a rich collection of perspectives, ideas, and experiences from scholars and professionals who span all stages of the academic career, from graduate students to emeritus professors. Highly accessible and practical, this text equips readers with the tools necessary to manage and overcome obstacles, biases, and power dynamics while researching in the field. Over the course of ten sections, every stage of the qualitative research process is explored, including planning, reflecting on ethical considerations, gaining entry to the field, collecting and analyzing data, leaving the field, and disseminating findings. Representing a diversity of academic disciplines, the fifty-five contributors share their knowledge gained and challenges encountered on the ground, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the reality of doing fieldwork. Filled with sound advice, engaging stories, and active learning exercises, this edited collection will help develop the skills and confidence needed to conduct qualitative research, making it the perfect resource for students in the social sciences, particularly sociology, anthropology, criminology, health studies, and social work.

Qualitative longitudinal research (QL research or QLR) is a powerful methodology for researching lives through time. It has a long pedigree, dating back to the early 20th century (Van Gennep, 1909), but has evolved rapidly since the 1980s as part of a broad "temporal turn" in social research. Recent attempts to document and delineate this approach across the disciplines have resulted in a sizeable body of methodological literature. With its dual identity (both longitudinal and qualitative), QL research spans two established methodological traditions. As a small but vital component of the longitudinal canon, it seeks to follow the same individuals or small collectives (a "panel" of individuals, households, or organisations) prospectively, in "real" time. Lives are documented as they unfold to discern changing "in the making" ...

A definitive introduction to Qualitative Longitudinal research methods, defined broadly as qualitative enquiry that is conducted through, or in relation to time.

Johnny Salda-a outlines the basic elements of longitudinal qualitative data, focusing on micro-levels of change observed within individual cases and groups of participants. He draws upon his primary experience in theater education to examine time and change in longitudinal qualitative studies; contending that 'playwrights and qualitative researchers write for the same purpose: to create a unique, insightful, and engaging text about the human condition.' Offering sixteen specific questions through which researchers may approach the analysis of longitudinal qualitative data, Professor Salda-a presents a text intended as a primer for fellow newcomers to long term inquiry, based on traditional social science methods from traditional qualitative and quantitative paradigms, but enriched by an artist-educator's unconventional perspective.

First published Open Access under a Creative Commons license as What is Qualitative Longitudinal Research?, this title is now also available as part of the Bloomsbury Research Methods series. This volume offers a new introduction to an evolving research method in the social sciences. Qualitative Longitudinal (QL) research is conducted through time. In its qualitative dimensions it opens up the potential to 'think dynamically' in creative, flexible and innovative ways. QL enquiry is rooted in a long-established tradition of qualitative temporal research, spanning the fields of social anthropology, sociological re-studies and biographical research. But over the past two decades, a growing body of scholarship has begun to document this approach and explore its theoretical underpinnings. This in turn has fuelled a growing interest in and rapid uptake of QL methodology across the disciplines and in international context. This practical volume will be a first port of call for students and researchers wishing to use QL research in their own projects. The chapters follow a logical development, from conceptual and methodological foundations, to research practice and ethics, to the generation and analysis of data. Each chapter offers practical examples drawn from the research field to illustrate key themes and the rich possibilities for new applications.