As psychological science matures as a discipline, and as its focus and scope extends to address new issues and challenges for understanding human behaviour, the need for reliable and robust research methodologies increases. This third edition of Jonathan Smith’s book ensures that the full range of qualitative methods are readily accessible to all researchers. The great strength of this edition lies, as it did in previous editions, in the systematic and accessible approach to the different methods.
What a delight to have the 3rd edition of this important book! Jonathan Smith makes available the wisdom of the most savvy scholars in the field, and they in turn, succeed in communicating with clarity and coherence. This is a vital contribution to the classroom, and to the future of qualitative inquiry in psychology.
After reading it there were only a few chapters/pages applicable to nursing, I think it would be suitable for post grad students but under grad nursing students may need more help.
Broad coverage of methods, written in an accessible way.
This is a core text for graduate students wishing to use qualitative methodology for their research studies on the programme.
A really helpful text for students undertaking qualitative research.
excellent and useful book
We need a range of books which cover qualitative methodologies and can cross the psychology and counselling borders as we are a combined department with students in psychology and counselling carrying out qualitative dissertations.
Good for students who do not have a strong statistical or social science background. Written in an accessible style which appeals to the students. Good for background reading when designing a small scale project.
One of my favourite readings: crystal clear language and simple structure. I appreciate that there is a chapter dedicated to Thematic Analysis, which is not common. This was a good support for undergraduates, as well as postgraduates. A good and easy insight into qualitative research for quantitative-trained colleagues.
Comprehensive and useful for both MSc and Doctoral students
We did not adopt the book this year as it was impossible to implement it in the time that was left (books have to be indicated almost a year in advance). I am strongly considering adopting the book next year however. It provides a very clear and accessible outline for students and is pleasant to read. It covers most (although not all) of the topics in the course and therefore we consider using it as essential course material
Very good overview of main methodologies and a useful inclusion regarding thematic analysis
Excellent coverage of processes not often detailed in Qualitative Research texts.
This text provides a broadly applicable guide to qualitative methods and is pitched at the appropriate level for our trainees. In particular, the chapter on 'choosing your method' is helpful and something not covered as successfully in other texts of a similar nature.
I really liked this book, it gave a clear overview of the key qualitative research methods used in psychology and most importantly how to apply them. I really liked the final chapter which was based on how to choose an appropriate method.
I teach qualitative research methodology to undergraduate and postgraduate students so this book will really be helpful as a guide to the practical application of all processes involved in the qualitative research process. I find it particularly easy to read and the inclusion of comparisons between theoretical approaches and illustrations of data is very useful, especially for novel researchers. It is a great resource!
I love this new edition. The updated content and examples brings the needed contribution of qualitative methods to the forefront of psychology research. I especially love the addition of chapter 2 by Peter Ashworth that positions the various forms of qualitative psychology historically and philosophically. I am recommending it to all my students doing qualitative dissertations.
A clear, comprehensive and detailed overview of key qualitative approaches to psychology.
Excellent text - clear, well-written, with good coverage - very useful !
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