This popular text is a true introduction to qualitative research. Woven into the chapters are three themes that are the heart of thIS book: First, research is about learning; second, research can and should be useful; and finally, a researcher should practice the highest ethical standards to ensure that a study is trustworthy. There is a comprehensive discussion of ethics and ethical research practice, as well as an elaborate discussion of systematic inquiry-both leading to the central consideration of trustworthiness in research.
1. Qualitative Research as Learning Doing Qualitative Research: Tales of Three Characters Defining Qualitative Research Common Characteristics Typical Purposes and Overall Approaches The Characters' Choices Ways of Using Research Dispositions and Skills Overview of the Book Activities for Your Community of Practice Further Reading 2. The Researcher as Learner What is Learning? The Reflexivity of Qualitative Research Paradigms Perspective in Practice Dispositions and Skills Activities for Your Community of Practice Further Reading 3. The Researcher as Competent and Ethical What Does Trustworthiness Matter? What Makes a Trustworthy Study? Systematic Practice Ethical Practice Dispositions and Skills Activities for Your Community of Practice Further Reading 4. Major Qualitative Research Genres Choosing the Locus of Interest Ethnographic Genres Phenomenological Genres Sociolinguist Genres Case Studies Dispositions and Skills Activities for Your Community of Practice Further Reading 5. Conceptualizing and Planning the Research Practical Considerations What is a Research Proposal? Conceptual Framework Design and Methods Dispositions and Skills Activities for Your Community of Practice Further Reading 6. Entering the Field Preparation Intended Involvement Approach and Negotiations Expectations and Relationships Dispositions and Skills Activities for Your Community of Practice Further Reading 7. Gathering Data in the Field Decisions About Gathering Data Systematic Inquiry Generic In-Depth Interviewing Specialized In-Depth Interviewing Special Considerations Observing People, Actions, and Events Studying Material Culture Dispositions and Skills Activities for Your Community of Practice Further Reading 8. Issues That Arise in the Field How Do I Prepare to Gather Data? How Can I Get Comfortable in the Field? What are the Data? How Do I Turn Sights, Sounds, and Objects Into Data? Two Languages: Which Do I Use? How Can I Change My Research Plan? What Do I Reflect On? How Do I Leave the Field? Dispositions and Skills Activities for Your Community of Practice Further Reading 9. Our Character's Data Anthony's Data Marla's Data Ruth's Data Activities for Your Community of Practice 10. Analyzing and Interpreting Data Analysis Happens Generic Analysis Writing In-Process Analytic Memos Strategies for Analyzing Interview Data Strategies for Analyzing Field Notes From Observations Strategies for Analyzing Material Culture Dispositions and Skills Activities for Your Community of Practice Further Reading 11. Our Characters' Analyses Anthony's Analysis Ruth's Analysis Marla's Analysis Dispositions and Skills Activities for Your Community of Practice 12. Presenting the Learnings Presentation Voice An Example Organizing the Report Using the Dispositions and Skills to Generate Useful Knowledge Activities for Your Community of Practice Further Reading
"This book has all the resources you need to complete your own research and become a more skilled lifelong learner." -- Michael Quinn Patton Rossman and Rallis build on their experience as researchers, teachers, and authors to update and improve what I think is simply the best available text for an introductory course on qualitative research methods. -- Gerardo Blanco Ramirez
