Comprehensive and trusted, this book remains the encyclopaedic introduction to qualitative research. Walking readers through an array of methods, it celebrates the diversity and breadth of qualitative approaches to social research.
From first foundations to writing up, the book gives students a secure understanding of how to assess, critique and use qualitative research, with sharply honed learning features that empower them to think critically and reflectively.
This eighth edition:
Fully embeds discussions of how to make research more equitable at each step of the process.
Includes new prompts for evaluating different approaches to support good methodological decision-making, especially in digital research.
Brings methods to life with new and updated examples of real-world research and student research spotlights.
This book will help any social science student master a rounded understanding of qualitative research.
PART 1: Foundations of Qualitative Research
Chapter 1: Why and How to Do Qualitative Research
Chapter 2: The Qualitative-Quantitative Distinction
Chapter 3: Theoretical Frameworks
Chapter 4: Methods and Data in Qualitative Research
Chapter 5: Subjectivity, Identity and Texts in Qualitative Research
PART 2: RESEARCH DESIGN
Chapter 6: Formulating a Research Question
Chapter 7: Choosing and Constructing the Research Design
Chapter 8: Planning the Process in Qualitative Research
Chapter 9: Ethics of Doing Qualitative Research
Chapter 10: Using the Existing Literature
Chapter 11: Access, Field Relations and Participatory Research
Chapter 12: Sampling
Chapter 13: Designing Multi-perspective Qualitative Research
PART 3: VERBAL DATA
Chapter 14: Collecting Verbal Data
Chapter 15: Doing Interviews
Chapter 16: Doing Focus Groups
Chapter 17: Using Narrative Data
PART 4: DATA BEYOND TALK
Chapter 18: Collecting Data Beyond Talk
Chapter 19: Observation and Ethnography
Chapter 20: Visual Data: Photography, Film and Video
Chapter 21: Documents as Data and Secondary Data Analysis
Chapter 22: Digital and Social Media Research
PART 5: QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
Chapter 23: Analysing Qualitative Data
Chapter 24: Transcription and Data Management
Chapter 25: Grounded Theory Coding
Chapter 26: Thematic Coding and Content Analysis
Chapter 27: Analysing Naturally Occurring Data: Conversation and Discourse
Chapter 28: Using Software in Qualitative Data Analysis
PART 6: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH QUALITY AND WRITING
Chapter 29: Quality of Qualitative Research: Criteria and Beyond
Chapter 30: Writing Up, Assessment and the Futures in Qualitative Research
