Qualitative Research in Sociology is intended as a hands-on guide to doing qualitative research in sociology. It provides an introductory survey of the methodological and theoretical dimensions of qualitative research as practiced by those interested in the study of social life. Through sociologically-oriented exercises and examples, students are introduced to the dynamic interplay between the theory and practice of qualitative research. In this sense, this work has two primary objectives. On the one hand, it encourages students to critically evaluate the research process and its findings in relation to collecting, analyzing and representing observations about society. At the same time, using examples and end-of-chapter exercises, I offer how-to advice on conceptualizing, analyzing and writing qualitative projects. Qualitative Research in Sociology is thus organized into eight chapters. Chapter One compares and contrasts qualitative and quantitative research perspectives and discusses how they relate to the discipline of sociology as a whole. Chapter Two looks at how interviews are conceptualized and practiced in terms of "structured" and "unstructured" protocols. Chapter Three discusses ethnography (its history, basic procedures and various forms). Chapter Four puts forth an overview of qualitative research using visual materials such as videos, photographs, movies and television programs. Chapter Five deals with data analysis based on narrative, discourse and conversation analysis techniques. Chapter Six focuses on writing and reporting the research findings. Chapter Seven considers ethical and moral issues involved in working with human subjects. Chapter Eight, summarizes the latest developments in the field (e.g., postmodernism and feminism) and points to future trends
Amir B. Marvasti is Associate Professor of Sociology at Pennsylvania State University, Altoona. His research focuses on the social construction of deviant identities in everyday life. He is the author of Being Homeless: Textual and Narrative Constructions (Lexington Books 2003), Qualitative Research in Sociology (Sage 2003), Middle Eastern Lives in America (with Karyn McKinney, Rowman and Littlefield 2004), and Doing Qualitative Research: A Comprehensive Guide (with David Silverman, Sage 2008). His articles have been published in the Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, Qualitative Inquiry, Symbolic Interaction, and Critical Sociology.
What Is Qualitative Research? Interviews Ethnography Visual Sociology Data Analysis Writing Ethics in Qualitative Research
'The book is an extremely valuable resource for students and new researchers who embark on qualitative research in sociology and the social sciences. It will be a valuable source for those who teach qualitative research methods in not only the social sciences but also in other disciplines, including health science. I wholeheartedly recommend this book' - Australian Journal of Primary Health
