README FIRST for a User's Guide to Qualitative Methods
- Lyn Richards
- Janice M. Morse - University of Utah, USA
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
I used this book in a Research Design class that was entry level intro to qual and quant research for graduate students in OD. It was easy to understand for students for the qualitative segment of the class, but I think I would choose a different text next time. It is better than Creswell in my opinion, but I am going to give Sarah Tracy's text a try next time. I like her use of language better and it is simpler to understand without being condescending to grad students.
A good overview of the research process, but insufficient as a standalone practical guide.
Excellent text to explain nitty gritty of qualitative research, helps students to make links between abstract and concrete.
Excellent reading material for those newly embarking into qualitative research. I have recommended this as essential reading for those at the end of undergraduate programmes or at the beginning of Masters level.
An excellent introduction to the subject matter for undergraduate students, non-ideological and straightforward.
A clear and accessible book for students. Gives a good overview of qualitative methods.
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.
Ordered for Library.
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.
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.
