Qualitative Research Methods for Community Development

by Robert Mark Silverman, Kelly L. Patterson

Qualitative Research Methods for Community Development teaches the basic skills, tools, and methods of qualitative research with special attention to the needs of community practitioners. This book teaches students entering planning, community development, nonprofit management, social work, and similar applied fields the core skills necessary to conduct systematic research designed to empower communities and promote social change. Focusing on the basic elements of qualitative research, like field observation, interviewing, focus groups, and content analysis, Qualitative Research Methods for Community Development provides an overview of core methods and theoretical underpinnings of successful research. The book provides examples from past research used in transformative community projects across multiple disciplines. From housing, community organizing, neighborhood planning, and urban revitalization, this book gives students the skills they need to undertake their own projects, and provides professionals a valuable reference for their future research. The book serves as a primary text for courses in applied qualitative research, and as a reference book for professionals and community-based researchers. In addition to content detailing core methods used in qualitative research, it includes a chapter which provides guidance for the dissemination of qualitative results to a spectrum of audiences applying qualitative methods to action research and community empowerment.

138 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2014

Reviews

[Clara Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is highly recommended to those who are neophytes in the field of qualitative research methods and those who would like a refresher course on the subject.

What was otherwise inferred in several texts on references used in teaching the matter was condensed and concisely written in a short book, presented in tabulated form. Details are presented off-hand, which makes it easier for newbies to understand, and which serves as an easy review to those already familiar with the topic. It also incorporates recent technologies to the discussion.

The book encourages researchers to impact society through the proper utilization of qualitative research methods. It allows for the expansion of the field and its further reinforcement of research findings by assisting the qualitative mind to properly present data vis-a-vis results generated from positivist methods.