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Qualitative Research for the Social Sciences
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Qualitative Research for the Social Sciences



October 2013 | 448 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Focusing on the integral role of the researcher, Qualitative Research for the Social Sciences uses a conversational writing style that draws readers into the excitement of the research process. Lichtman offers a balanced and nuanced approach, covering the full range of qualitative methodologies and viewpoints about the field, including coverage of social media as a tool to facilitate research or as a venue for study. After presenting theoretical concepts and a historical overview, Lichtman guides readers, step by step, through the research process, addressing issues of analyzing data, presenting completed research, and evaluating research. Real-world examples from across the social sciences provide both practical and theoretical information, helping readers understand abstract ideas and apply them to their own research.


 
PART I. CONCEPTUAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT
 
Chapter 1. Introduction
 
Chapter 2. Qualitative Research—A Reflexive Stance
 
Chapter 3. Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research
 
Chapter 4. Conceptualizing Research Approaches
 
Chapter 5. A Detailed Examination of Common Approaches
 
Chapter 6. A Review of Additional Research Approaches
 
PART II. THE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH PROCESS
 
Chapter 7. Planning and Conceptualizing a Qualitative Research Study
 
Chapter 8. Social Media, the Internet, and Technology
 
Chapter 9. A Review of Research Literature
 
Chapter 10. Interviewing
 
Chapter 11. Additional Methods of Gathering Data
 
PART III. THE FINAL PRODUCT
 
Chapter 12. Drawing Meaning from the Data
 
Chapter 13. Communicating Your Ideas
 
Chapter 14. Judging the Research Process and Product
 
Epilogue: Social Science and the Future of Qualitative Research
 
Glossary

“I am likely to adopt this text.  I think it will be a fresh alternative and/or supplement to the text I now read and require for the course.”           

Lillie M. Fears
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro

“I really like the proposed textbook. Based on the prospectus and the outline I would very likely adopt the textbook for the next methods course.”

Gesine Hearn
Idaho State University–Pocatello

“I will adopt the book for both classroom and online teaching.”

Kebba Darboe
Minnesota State University–Mankato

“This book is a contribution to Qualitative Research. The content is similar to other texts, the writing and approach to delivery of QR is a bit different. The chapter on Social Media is a departure and makes the text attractive...”

Warren Hope
Florida A & M University–Tallahassee

“I would be likely to adopt this text as it is more undergraduate friendly than other texts in the field.”

Helen Potts
University Of North Texas–Denton

I have found 2 other books which I thought were more applicable to the level of my students and what they need.

I have put through orders to all the libraries on our different campuses to order some copies of this book as it is a beneficial resource which should be available to them.

Dr Samantha Leonard
Department of Development Studies, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
drupal

A highly valuable text which makes this field of research highly accessible.

Lynette Morris
Internal Quality Assurance, Chiltern Training Group
drupal

I think the book provides a really good explanation of the research process using qualitative methodology. All of the chapters are well-written and easy to read, also providing concrete examples on for instance how to conduct interviews, providing steps on how to do qualitative analysis etc. What I liked was also the chapter about reviewing the research literature which is many times in the books about Evidence-based practice. Also, the use of technology chapter is very helpful, especially since the technology is really important in our every day lifes now. I would really recommend this book and I plan to order more copies for our library.

Miss Tanja Krizaj
School of Health Professions, University of Plymouth
drupal

Applicable to the South African environment especially to prospective forensic investigation students.

Mr Hennie Lochner
Police Practice, Unisa
drupal

A nicely structured book that uses very approachable language for students. A great source for in-depth further reading sources.

Mr Neil Brooks
Marketing & Retail Management, Oxford Brookes University
drupal
Key features
  • The author covers every aspect of the research process in a narrative style that is clear, concise, and conversational in tone.
  • Discussions of newer issues related to studying social cultures (for example, Facebook and other social networking sites), Web 2.0 and 3.0 computing, sharing data using widgets, and globalization make the book student-friendly and timely.
  • Focus Your Reading learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter help students read with a purpose.
  • Did You Know? sections throughout each chapter highlight important information.
  • Check Yourself sections, discussion questions, activities, and exercises help readers master important skills and concepts.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1