Qualitative Research in Practice: Examples for Discussion and Analysis

by Sharan B. Merriam (editor), Robin S. Grenier (Editor)

A practical introduction to qualitative research across fields and disciplines Qualitative Research in Practice offers a hands-on introduction to qualitative research design, methods, data, and analysis. Designed as a companion text for any course involving qualitative research, this book explores the different types of qualitative studies with relevant examples and analysis by the researchers themselves. The workbook format makes it easy to use in the classroom or the field, and the depth of information makes it a valuable resource for students of social work, psychology, counseling, management, education, health care, or any field in which qualitative research is conducted. While quantitative research is primarily concerned with numerical data, qualitative research methods are more flexible, responsive, and open to contextual information. To a qualitative researcher, a situation is defined by the participants’ perspectives, making it the primary method of inquiry for understanding social phenomena through the lens of experience. This book introduces the essentials of qualitative research, bolstered by expert analysis and discussion that provides deeper insight than a traditional textbook format would allow.  How does one codify an experience? Is it possible to measure emotion in units? Qualitative research fills the void where numbers cannot reach. It is the best tool we have for studying the unquantifiable aspects of the human experience, and it is an essential tool in a wide variety of fields. Qualitative Research in Practice provides translatable skills in a practical format to quicken your transition from “learning” to “using.”

Genres: Research, Academic

480 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2002

Reviews

[Yzobelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how succinct this book is, straight to the point. The essential theories were given and backed up with concrete examples of cases. I also liked the writing style of Merriam. It sounded very spontaneous as if ethnography, grounded theory, and phenomenology are her daily over-breakfast type of conversation. The casualness with which it is written encourages its readers to plunge into the field of qualitative research.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

so far... sort of boring! But there are some interesting case studies, so I'm interested to read more of them.