Foundations of Qualitative Research
Interpretive and Critical Approaches
—Heather T. Zeng, NACADA
Foundations of Qualitative Research introduces key theoretical and epistemological concepts replete with historical and current real-world examples. Author Jerry W. Willis provides an invaluable resource to guide the critical and qualitative inquiry process written in an accessible and non-intimidating style that brings these otherwise difficult concepts to life.
Key Features:
- Covers the conceptual foundations of interpretive, critical, and post-positivist paradigms: A thorough background of theory and social inquiry is given by looking at the development of each paradigm throughout history.
- Provides real-world examples: Cases illustrate different approaches to the same research problem so that students can better understand the contrasting features of these paradigms.
- Introduces seven qualitative research frameworks: In-depth coverage is provided on Altheide and Johnson's Analytic Realism; Denzin and Lincoln's Interpretive Perspective; Eisner's Connoisseurship Model of Inquiry; Semiotics; the Phenomenological Psychological Model; Poststructuralism and Postmodernism; and Symbolic Interactionism.
- Offers general guidelines for qualitative research: Conceptually covers the best practices, approaches to data analysis, and interpretation of qualitative research.
- Examines emergent methods in qualitative research: New research areas such as PAR, emancipatory research, and participatory design research are included, as well as exemplary journal articles to further illustrate how theory links to research practice.
Intended Audience:
This text is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students taking their first or second qualitative research methods course in the fields of Education, Psychology, and the Health and Social Sciences. It is also an excellent theory companion supplement to the more applied qualitative methods text.
"Willis catches the student up on relevant aspects of philosophy, empiricism, history, and prevailing political influences. This building of chronology is so valuable for students in understanding the origins of specific schools of thought in relations to a paradigm."
—Heather T. Zeng, NACADA
One cannot underestimate the importance of this book. Willis deals with topics and concepts that are normally relegated to a paragraph in other methodology books: interpretivism, hermeneutics and phenomenology. Please note I will be recommending it for COM4809 and not COM4801 as indicated below.
A fantastic book for those who are considering to engage in qualitative research. It covers all the vital parts that are included in qualitative inquiry, such as paradigms and methodology to interpretation and meaning. A must for post-grad students
The book is comprehensively written. It can be very useful for masters and doctoral students. The paradigms are well presented which can assist in clearing a lot of confusion which some students have regarding paradigm,
This is a useful book that is recommended for PG level.
A 'must read' for Education and social science students commencing research at UG or PG level. Expertly written, appropriate detail, thought provoking
excellent for health and social care students
A very useful text on the principles underpinning qualitative research and will be very useful for those wanting to explore this approach in some depth
A great text for students who want to know more about qualitative methods. Parts of it may also be interesting as part of an introduction module.
This text had a unique take on exploring qualitative research - finally an entire, well-researched book that had interpretivist (and of course critical) understanding at its heart. I currently work hermeneutically and this book, even at this late stage of my current project has made such a difference.
I particularly like the key articles it uses to exemplify its points - a useful way to get 3rd year undergraduates and PG Dip students seeing direct connections between the methodology and the actual research carried out. I'm already recommending it as in a single book they can easily and flexibly cover interpretive approaches, which helps to add balance to the range of methodologies they are exposed to.
Sage College Publishing
