Qualitative Methodology
A Practical Guide
- Jane Mills - James Cook University, Australia
- Melanie Birks - James Cook University, Australia
Expert researchers then trace the history and philosophical underpinnings of different methodologies, explore the specific demands each places upon the researcher and robustly set out relevant issues surrounding quality and rigor. Featured methodologies include action research, discourse analysis, ethnography, grounded theory, case studies and narrative inquiry.
This practical book provides a helpful guide to the research process - it introduces the relevant methods of generating, collecting and analysing data for each discrete methodology and then looks at best practice for presenting findings. This enables new researchers to compare qualitative methods and to confidently select the approach most appropriate for their own research projects.
Key features include:
- Summary table for each chapter - allowing quick checks to test knowledge
- 'Window into' sections - real world examples showing each methodology in action
- Student activities
- Learning objectives
- Full glossary
- Annotated suggestions for further reading
- Links to downloadable SAGE articles
- Links to relevant websites and organizations
This is an invaluable resource for students and researchers across the social sciences and a must-have guide for those embarking on a research project.
Supplements
Of the many books about qualitative research, this one is particularly engaging to read. It will be useful to the novice as an introductory text and to experienced researcher as a refresher. The book's structure allows the reader to compare the characteristics of each method and examples of how each could be employed.
Here is something really worthwhile but rarely seen: a useful book on qualitative research methods.
This book offers a welcome focus on the theoretical underpinnings of the major qualitative methods allowing students to thoroughly engage with the rationality behind the approach to analysis. Each chapter is full of useful examples of research and the extensive references give students plenty of guidance on what to read next. This is a very useful text for developing research awareness and critical thinking skills, not just because it offers students to reflect explicitly on a critical response to the content, but because of its explanatory writing style.
An excellent, succinct introduction to a wide range of qualitative methodologies, framed with an accessible explanation of the philosophical and theoretical grounding for those methodologies
This is a very valuable text, offering concise chapters in relation to key qualitative approaches, such as ethnography, grounded theory and narrative research. I will recommend it to students for particular topics.
A basic qualitative research textbook. It's a good start but insufficient for advanced levels of qualitative methodology. In this starting level and from a practical point of view (as a "how to"-guide), it's very useful.
This book is a friendly guide for students who are exploring qualitative methodology. It is more approachable than many qualitative books due to the use of interesting examples throughout the book. As well as outlining the major approaches to qualitative research the book also has sections on quality and practical philosophy which are essential to orientate students to what qualitative research is. The activity sections are a nice touch and allow the reader to reflect on what they have just read, likewise the recommended further reading sections are very helpful and practical guides for students.
I likje this book as I tend to be more of a quantitative researcher myself and when I teach qualitative methods it is useful to have one book that sums it all up in one place.
A well written and easy to follow text.
A useful explanation of the more activist/action orientated end of the qualitative methodology scale. However, the authors allegiances - both disciplinary and methodologically - compromise its applicability for a course covering all qualitative research approaches. I can see this book being most useful as a recommendation to an advanced student with a clear idea of their position, but too biased for novices or initial group teaching.
