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Basics of Qualitative Research
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Basics of Qualitative Research
Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory

Fourth Edition


December 2014 | 456 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Offering immensely practical advice, Basics of Qualitative Research, Fourth Edition presents methods that enable researchers to analyze, interpret, and make sense of their data, and ultimately build theory from it. Authors Juliet Corbin and Anselm Strauss (late of the University of San Francisco and co-creator of grounded theory) walk readers step-by-step through the research process—from the formation of the research question through several approaches to coding, analysis, and reporting. Packed with definitions and illustrative examples, this highly accessible book concludes with chapters that present criteria for evaluating a study, as well as responses to common questions posed by students of qualitative research. New end-of-chapter “Insider Insights” contributed by qualitative researchers give readers a sense of what it’s like to work in the field. Significantly revised, this Fourth Edition remains a landmark volume in the study of qualitative methods. 

 
Part I: Introduction to Grounded Theory of Anselm Strauss
 
Chapter 1: Inspiration and Background
 
Chapter 2: Theoretical Foundations
 
Chapter 3: Practical Considerations for Getting Started
 
Chapter 4: Prelude to Analysis
 
Chapter 5: Strategies for Qualitative Data Analysis
 
Chapter 6: Memos and Diagrams
 
Chapter 7: Theoretical Sampling
 
Chapter 8: Context
 
Chapter 9: Process
 
Chapter 10: Techniques for Achieving Theoretical Integration
 
Chapter 11: The Use of Computer Programs in Qualitative Data Analysis
 
Part II: Research Demonstration Project
 
Chapter 12 Open Coding: Identifying Concepts
 
Chapter 13: Developing Concepts in Terms of Their Properties and Dimensions
 
Chapter 14: Analyzing Data for Context
 
Chapter 15: Bringing Process Into the Analysis
 
Chapter 16: Integrating Categories
 
Part III: Finishing the Research Project
 
Chapter 17: Writing Theses, Monographs, and Dissertations, and Giving Talks About Your Research
 
Chapter 18: Criteria for Evaluation
 
Chapter 19: Student Questions and Answers

“The subject of the book is timely, important, and relevant. The content is laid out in a logical and organized manner and written in a style that is easy to understand.”

Mahesh S. Raisinghani, Texas Woman’s University

“[This book] provides an overview as well as depth into some of the techniques used in Grounded Theory studies, from the formation of research questions on through how to disseminate the work. A beginning researcher wanting to conduct a Grounded Theory study would find parts of this book helpful.”

Kathryn Pole, University of Texas at Arlington

A useful supplemental source for graduate students.

Dr Sermin Tag Kalafatoglu
Department of Cinema and Television, Ordu University
April 10, 2015

I rarely have students who select grounded theory for their dissertation research, and so decided not to adopt for each student. However, I do recommend this text for those who do plan GT

Dr Helen Hodges
Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, Mercer University
October 5, 2015
Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

 

  • New organization into three parts: Part I: Introduction to the Grounded Theory of Anselm Strauss, Part II: Research Demonstration Project, and Part III: Finishing the Research Project
  • Context, process, and theoretical integration (previously Chapter 5) has been expanded with content on "Context" (now Chapter 8), and content on “Process” (now Chapter 9)
  • New Chapter 11: Covering the Use of Computers in Qualitative Data Analysis
  • New Chapter 12: Open Coding: Identifying Concepts
  • New Chapter 13: Axial Coding: Elaborating Concepts
  • All chapters have undergone revisions 
  • A brand new feature, “Insider Insights,” at the end of each chapter provides insights from top qualitative researchers for working in the field
  • Key terms with definitions now appear at the beginning of the chapter to introduce key concepts  
  • A chapter-ending “Summary of Important Points” reinforces key information from the chapter
  • New and updated exercises for thinking, writing and group discussion reinforce key concepts and give readers an opportunity for hands-on application

KEY FEATURES:

 

  • The authors’ presentation takes the form of an informal dialogue, similar to students and teachers working together in a classroom setting
  • Each chapter begins with the questions most often asked by students about that aspect of analysis and discusses the logic behind the process being described
  • The actual steps involved in data analysis (from description to grounded theory) and data gathering by means of theoretical sampling provide readers with everything they need to conduct data analysis
  • Exercises for thinking, writing, and group discussion allow readers to practice what they've learned and check their understanding of new concepts
  • The evolution of grounded theory method over time is discussed, along with the influence of constructionists and post-modern trends, without losing the method’s foundations in the grounding of data and building of theory
  • "Critical Issues" sections at the end of each chapter help students develop their critical thinking skills

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1

Detailed Table of Contents