Advanced Qualitative Research
A Guide to Using Theory
- Michelle O'Reilly - School of Psychology, University of Leicester, United Kingdom, University of Leicester, UK, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, UK
- Nikki Kiyimba - University of Chester, UK
This distinctive, nuanced book addresses the more complex theoretical issues embedded in the qualitative research paradigm. Adopting a reflective stance that emphasises the role of the researcher it carefully avoids a standardised ‘tick box’ approach to methods.
Throughout each chapter, theory is powerfully and persuasively interwoven as its impact on practical topics such as data management and safety in the field is discussed. O'Reilly and Kiyimba bring an authority and clarity to the debate, taking us beyond the mechanical notions of qualitative methods and standardised approaches to research. Instead, they focus on subjects like methodological integrity, perspective driven data collection and theoretically-led analysis.
This will be an important resource for anyone looking to practically engage with advanced qualitative research methods.
On our qualitative methods module we tend to be better at training students in the nuts and bolts of how to do a thematic analysis than at helping them work out how to make the leap from that empirical work to 'grounded' theoretical development. This book is a helpful addition to our teaching around that.
This book gives a good impression on the theoretical background of qualitative research. Examples given in the book foster the understanding of the introduced theories into practicioners' work.
The chapter on research ethics and researcher safety is of particular value to students who often do not understand the aspects of ethical research. Students further found the clarity provided in Chapter 2 regarding quality in qualitative research valuable and understandable.
