README FIRST for a User's Guide to Qualitative Methods

By Janice M. Morse, Lyn Richards, Marilyn (Lyn) G. (Gray) Richards

Book Overview

"A useful and accessible framework for understanding the decision-making process that underlies the ′making′ of data. The text offers explanations of how and why choices can be made in accordance with fundamental notions of methodological purposiveness and methodological congruence. A particular value of this text is its highlighting of decisions that underlie one′s use of computer applications in the organization and analysis of research data. The text also provides useful distinctions among phenomenological, ethnographic, and grounded theory approaches to fieldwork."

Tom Schram, Education, University of New Hampshire

Offering a map to show readers how some methodological choices lead more directly than others to particular goals, this book provides beginning researchers with an overview of techniques for making data, and an explanation of the ways different tools fit different purposes and provide different research experiences and outcomes. The authors clearly explain why there are many methods and show readers how to locate their study within that choice. Written to be a pragmatic companion, this text will help readers get confidently and competently started on a research path that will work for their study.

Features/Benefits:

Tutorials: Provide readers with the opportunity to practice tasks to do with the data provided in the Appendices or with the reader′s own data. The tutorials can be performed in conjunction with the data provided on the CD. Software Demo CD: Provides an opportunity to try some of the tools available in modern software by using QSR′s NVivo product with the data from two real projects, Barbara Lloyd′s "Body Images" study based on focus groups and semi-structured interviews with school students, and Paul Thompson′s "100 Families" life history study. Suggested Reading Resources: Grouped by category, these end of chapter resources offer researchers an excellent guide for further information on specific qualitative approaches, writing, design, etc.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761918914
• ISBN13: 9780761918912
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.5" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

QRM Student Review

This book is a) very readable b) flows logically c) covers a LOT of material d) makes a great resource for writing a QRM proposal e) is a great resource when planning and executing a qualitative study. A MUST have for the new student and makes an excellent text for an intro class.

read me first-qualitative methods research guide

A very good overview and review of qualitative methods most importantly provides the road map to the conceputalization and design of a study using qualitative and quantitative methods. A must read for novice and experienced researchers.

Readme First

Excellent overview of qualitative methods which provides descriptive and useful definitions, while distinctly clarifying,i.e. phenomonology, grounded theory, ethnography. Easy-reading without being elementary. Perfect as I embark on my PhD in Nursing!

One of the best!

This is one of the best qualitative textbook that I've ever read. (And I read extensively.) It's easy to read. The writing style is concise and unpretensious. Unlike other bulky research method textbooks, it contains less than 300 pages. I use it as a portable book on the go. The title may lead people to think that it is for beginners who haven't undertaken their studies. At one point, this holds true. The book is written for people who haven't committed to a specific research design. It walks you through various methodological routes, illustrating the possible shape of findings based on the choice of the research approach. However, I also found this book helpful for those who already have some exposure to qualitative research. (The only relatively minor downside is that I found the section on coding pretty dry. It's not as enlightening as other sections.)