Qualitative Methods for Health Research

by Judith Green, Nicki Thorogood

The Third Edition of this bestselling title is packed full of real-world advice for researchers and students. It is an invaluable introduction to the theoretical and practical essentials needed to design, conduct and appraise qualitative research in health. The book highlights core research skills, taking the reader through the key debates in qualitative methodology. It sets out a logical, easy-to-follow path supported by practical examples ensuring you will find it engaging and relevant. Updates for the new edition - a new chapter on effectively combining methods
- new material on the practical aspects of securing access to participants, using online data and on selecting an approach for analysis
- improved material on reading and appraising literature with detailed exploration of systematic reviews and synthesis
- expanded chapters on analysing data, with practical suggestions for moving from descriptive to analytical approaches
- an effective mix of classic and contemporary case studies from across health research
- expanded summaries, key points and reflective questions designed to help students apply theory to their own research. Clear, thorough and articulate, this is an authoritative introduction to qualitative research for all health professionals and students.

Visit the accompanying for additional resources. Judith Green is a Professor in Sociology of Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Nicki Thorogood is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.    

360 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2004

About the author

I am a medical sociologist, with degrees in anthropology and medical sociology. Before joining LSHTM in 1996, I held posts at South Bank University, the Department of General Practice and Primary Care at UMDS (Guy's), where I completed a PhD on the sociology of accidents, and the Department of General Practice at King's College School of Medicine. I currently co-edit Critical Public Health, an international peer-reviewed journal which publishes a broad range of critical research and commentary on and for public health. I am currently based at King's College London Division of Health & Social Care Research, with an honorary appointment at LSHTM.

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read introduction to all qualitative research methods in fields of health science.

[p roper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another helpful book that I'd love to have a digital copy of.

[Chris Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from the library to try to get a better idea of how my usual methods are conducted in a health setting. What I found was that this book tried to do too much and ended up not really delivering what I would expect from a qualitative methods book.

One main gripe for me was labelling "thematic analysis" as "thematic content analysis". This might seem quite trivial initially, but "thematic analysis" and "content analysis" are two totally different methods. By straying from the usual conventions of naming methodologies just creates confusing among non-native qualitative researchers.

They also tried to formalise the teaching of the actual practice of coding and interpreting data, which is nigh on impossible to convey without some practical experience.

My rating of the book is also biased by other texts, such as Braun & Clarke (2006) article "Using thematic analysis in psychology". If you can get access to that article, then it is a far better starting point for qualitative research (for both beginners and veterans alike).

The book did provide some nice case studies to contextualise what was being explained. They added some depth to the book, I felt, and I also felt that the initial chapter on "Qualitative methodology of health research) was well explained. My conclusion? Read the first chapter, and Braun and Clarke's article - and then try to tackle the rest of the book if you're absolutely intent on reading it.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly approachable writing providing an overview of qualitative research methodology and methods. UK context requires some translation to US research environment that could be difficult for novice researchers. Case reports are good idea though most were dated in the third edition of this text.

[Kebanek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very useful book. Practical advice with examples to illustrate the point. It is well written and understandable for even those of us that are adverse to Qualitative methods.