Full Description
The Practice of Qualitative Research guides readers step by step through the process of collecting, analyzing, designing, and interpreting qualitative research. Written in an engaging style, this student-centered text offers invaluable insights into the practice of qualitative research, with coverage of in-depth interviewing, focus groups, ethnography, case study, and mixed methods research. The Third Edition features even more integrated attention to online research and implications of social media throughout all methods chapters; updates on qualitative analysis software; and significantly expanded coverage of ethics.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Part I: Taking a Qualitative Approach to Research
Chapter 1: An Invitation to Qualitative Research
What's Wrong With This Picture?
What Is Qualitative Research?
A Holistic Approach to Research
What to Learn From This Book
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
Chapter 2: Paradigmatic Approaches to Qualitative Research
What Are the Major Paradigmatic Approaches to Qualitative Research?
Positivism
The Interpretive Strand
The Critical Strand
Conclusion
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
Chapter 3: Designing Qualitative Approaches to Research
How Do We Know What We Know?
What Is a Qualitative Approach to Research? Qualitative Research Inquiry: A Dynamic Dance
Conclusion
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
Chapter 4: The Ethics of Social Research
Why Is Ethical Practice Important?
A Short History of Ethics in Research
How Are Research Participants Protected Today?
Beyond Informed Consent: What Are the Ethical Dilemmas in Social Research?
How Can I Observe Ethical Values in My Research Practice?
Do New Technologies Impact the Practice of Ethical Research?
Conclusion
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
Part II. Qualitative Research Practice
Chapter 5: In-Depth Interviewing
What Is an In-Depth Interview?
How Do You Design and Conduct an In-Depth Interview Study?
How Do You Conduct an In-Depth Interview
How Do You Analyze and Interpret Interviews?
Conclusion
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
Chapter 6: Focus Group Research
What Are Focus Group Interviews?
Online Focus Groups
Ethics and Focus Group Research
Conclusion
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
Chapter 7: Ethnography
What Is Ethnography?
Using an Ethnographic Approach: When Is It Appropriate?
Virtual Ethnographic Methods
How Do You Gather and Manage Your Ethnographic Data?
Conclusion
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
Chapter 8: Case Study
What Is a Case Study?
Reasons for Adopting a Case Study Approach
Why Conduct Case Study Research?
Case Study Examples
Conclusion
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
Chapter 9: Researching Mass Media: Images and Texts by Heather McIntosh and Lisa Cuklantz
What Is Content Analysis?
Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative and Qualitative Content Analysis
Qualitative Content Analysis of Online Texts
How Is the Research Database for Content Analysis Defined and Delimited?
Making a Theoretical Contribution
Conclusion
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
Appendix: Formal Analysis in Film and Television
Chapter 10: Mixed Methods Research
What Is Mixed Methods Research?
What Is a Mixed Methods Research Design?
What Is a Qualitatively Driven Approach to Mixed Methods Research Inquiry?
Why Do Qualitative Researchers Use Mixed Methods?
What to Consider When Conducting a Mixed Methods Research Project
Conclusion
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
Part III: Tying the Strands Together
Chapter 11: Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative Data
What Is Qualitative Data Analysis?
What Is Coding?
A Grounded Theory Approach to Coding
How Do You Code Data?
Software for Qualitative Data Analysis
How Can I Use a Software Program to Analyze My Qualitative Data?
Conclusion
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
Chapter 12: Writing and Representation of Qualitative Research Projects
Who Is Your Audience?
Getting It Done: Writing Up Your Qualitative Research Project
Editing and Revising Your Research Paper
How Do I Represent the Voices of My Respondents?
Conclusion
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
Conclusion: Future Directions of Qualitative Research Inquiry
The Future of Qualitative Research: Coming at Things Differently
What's New in Qualitative Research Practice?
Emergent Methods: New Approaches to Old Methods
Impact of Online Research on the Process of Qualitative Inquiry
Staying Centered and Building Ethical Knowledge
Glossary
Discussion Questions
Resources
References
Index
