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The Third Edition of this popular text offers those new to qualitative inquiry a clear and practical guide to the reasons for doing qualitative research, matching questions to appropriate methods, and the tasks necessary for getting started. In their direct and friendly style, Lyn Richards and Janice M. Morse help researchers reflect on why they are working qualitatively and how to choose an appropriate method, and then approach confidently the tasks of research design, data making, coding, analyzing, and, finally, writing up results.


"This text offers current thinking in the field. The authors are well-established qualitative researchers and have pulled off a great text for the beginning researcher." -
Matthew A. Eichler,
Texas State University–San Marcos

"The key strength of this text is the discussion and presentation of how to think about qualitative research. This is the only text that discusses the process of thinking before doing at any stage of the research project, from the general idea to the writing up and submitting for publication." - Ruth Segal, Seton Hall University

"The text is very clear and well organized, and accessible for new students. In comparison to many other introductory texts, it really brings to the fore the need for theoretical and methodological coherence." - Irina L. G. Todorova, Northeastern University


 
Preface
 
About the Authors
 
1. Why Readme First?
 
Part I. Thinking Research
 
2. The Integrity of Qualitative Research
 
3. Choosing a Method
 
4. Qualitative Research Design
 
Part II. Inside Analysis
 
5. Making Data
 
6. Coding
 
7. Abstracting
 
8. From Method to Analysis: Revisiting Methodological Congruence
 
Part III. Getting It Right
 
9. On Getting It Right and Knowing if It's Wrong
 
10. Writing It Up
 
Part IV. Beginning Your Project
 
11. Groundwork for Beginning Your Project
 
12. Getting Started
 
Appendix 1. Qualitative Software: Where to Go Next
 
Appendix 2. Applying for Funding
 
References
 
Author Index
 
Subject Index

A clear and accessible book for students. Gives a good overview of qualitative methods.

Dr Matti Tedre
Computer & Systems Sciences, Stockholm University
September 15, 2013

This is a must have introductory text for anyone with a developing an interest in qualitative research. It is clearly written and with a structure that allows readers to be guided through the complexity of qualitative inquiry. Useful for undergraduate, masters and doctoral level students.

Mrs Sally Goldspink
Allied Health & Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University
September 11, 2013

Ordered for Library.

Dr John Hedgcock
GSTILE, Monterey Institute of International Studies
June 29, 2013

Very clear approach to disseminating five primary areas of qualitative research. My students appreciated the way it addressed the analysis of data in detail. In addition, the chapter on writing for different audiences and purposes was particularly valuable for beginning researchers.

I adopted it for the class I taught last fall, 2012. My apologies for not completing this earlier.

Dr Akosua Addo
School Of Music, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
June 28, 2013

I have been using the 2nd edition for my Qualitative Methods course for two years, so adopting the 3rd ed was a "no-brainer." The book is quite helpful: It does a lot to demystify qualitative research and assisting students students thru the elements of qualitative design.

Dr Carolyn Phillips
Nursing Dept, University of Texas - Medical Branch
June 25, 2013

This is another good text in the armoury of part time professional students who are engaged in work based projects

Ms Eve Coles
Leeds University Business School, Leeds University
June 11, 2013

Great text, well written. Students sang praises for this book.

Dr Peter Gleason
School Of Public Health, Loma Linda University
February 5, 2013

Nice intro for undergraduate students, we rather like this.

Dr Jon Cryer
School of Sport & Leisure, Gloucestershire University
December 11, 2012

This book has a good structure for students developing a proposal or carrying out qualitative research. It is also clear and well written. The resources at the end of each chapter are really good for students eg. the recommended journals at end of ch2. I will be recommending this to students on the Developing Research and Evaluation Skills module and also adding it to our recommended reading list for the Dissertation Module.

Mrs Linda Martindale
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Coll of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
November 19, 2012

This provides a useful overview for qualitative research methods and is appropriate for masters and PhD level students

Dr Val Mitchell
Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University
November 11, 2012
Key features

Key Features

  • Emphasizes the purposiveness of qualitative research
  • Explores the fit of question, data, and method across five major methods
  • Offers advice for using qualitative software tools
  • Stresses the importance of reflexivity

 

Sample Materials & Chapters

toc

ch 1-3


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