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README FIRST for a User's Guide to Qualitative Methods
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README FIRST for a User's Guide to Qualitative Methods

Third Edition


April 2012 | 336 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

The Third Edition of this popular text offers those new to qualitative inquiry a clear and practical guide to the reasons for doing qualitative research, matching questions to appropriate methods, and the tasks necessary for getting started. In their direct and friendly style, Lyn Richards and Janice M. Morse help researchers reflect on why they are working qualitatively and how to choose an appropriate method, and then approach confidently the tasks of research design, data making, coding, analyzing, and, finally, writing up results.


"This text offers current thinking in the field. The authors are well-established qualitative researchers and have pulled off a great text for the beginning researcher." -
Matthew A. Eichler,
Texas State University–San Marcos

"The key strength of this text is the discussion and presentation of how to think about qualitative research. This is the only text that discusses the process of thinking before doing at any stage of the research project, from the general idea to the writing up and submitting for publication." - Ruth Segal, Seton Hall University

"The text is very clear and well organized, and accessible for new students. In comparison to many other introductory texts, it really brings to the fore the need for theoretical and methodological coherence." - Irina L. G. Todorova, Northeastern University


 
Preface
 
About the Authors
 
1. Why Readme First?
 
Part I. Thinking Research
 
2. The Integrity of Qualitative Research
 
3. Choosing a Method
 
4. Qualitative Research Design
 
Part II. Inside Analysis
 
5. Making Data
 
6. Coding
 
7. Abstracting
 
8. From Method to Analysis: Revisiting Methodological Congruence
 
Part III. Getting It Right
 
9. On Getting It Right and Knowing if It's Wrong
 
10. Writing It Up
 
Part IV. Beginning Your Project
 
11. Groundwork for Beginning Your Project
 
12. Getting Started
 
Appendix 1. Qualitative Software: Where to Go Next
 
Appendix 2. Applying for Funding
 
References
 
Author Index
 
Subject Index

This 'Readme first guide' is exactly that and very useful as a basic text to as a quick reference for definitions and descriptions of key qualitative theory and methods. At the end of each chapter there are also helpful resources for further reading and a summary of points. By its very nature this is a relatively cautious and simple format, so it will work nicely to suggest as first step readings for students starting out in qualitative methods; either as final year undergraduates or first year postgraduates doing core modules in qualitative methods.

Dr Amanda Bingley
Division of Health Research , Lancaster University
November 6, 2012

Very useful text for anyone embarking on or extending a research project.
Appendices, including seeking funding, are useful.
Ethical issues covered usefully.
Table re coding date particularly useful.
Very helpful book to have in the library and one I will recommend to our PGCE students.

Dr Sue Howarth
Institute of Education, Worcester University
November 6, 2012

Good layout and easily readable for those new to qualitative research

Mrs Beverley Wellington
School of Nursing, University of the West of Scotland
October 12, 2012

I have looked at this book and I have recommended it to a number of students undertaking qualitative research projects. Feedback has been generally positive. The only additional point made is the need for a companion book on Quantitative Methods.

Dr Martin Campbell
School of Psychology, St Andrews University
October 9, 2012

We have adopted this book for our PGCE:CT trainees. A very readable, accessible guide to qualitative research methods which will help prepare our trainees for their research project in their placement school.

Mrs Cheryl St.George
Faculty of Education, Royal Academy of Dance
October 1, 2012

A good introduction to the theory and practice of doing qualitative research for beginners as well as more experienced practitioners

Dr Dario Pellegrini
Child and Family, Tavistock Centre
September 27, 2012

Met Lyn Richards and heard her present at a qualitative research conference. Have adopted for my next offering of EDR 725 Qualitative Research at Northern Arizona University.

Dr Mary Dereshiwsky
Mathematics Statistics Dept, Northern Arizona University
September 27, 2012

A very useful initial guide to qualitative research paying particular attention to reflection on the broader methodological issues before embarking on a very good exploration of specific methods. Equally suitable for undergraduates and new postgraduate researchers.

Mr Mark Shepherd
Construction & Property Management, Salford University
September 19, 2012

This book provides good materials in qualitative research for students. It addresses the importance of working qualitatively and assesses the the mixed method designs as a way of achieving more comprehensive and broader results

Ms Emma Etuk
St Bart's Schl of Nursing & Midwifery, City University
July 30, 2012
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Key features

Key Features

  • Emphasizes the purposiveness of qualitative research
  • Explores the fit of question, data, and method across five major methods
  • Offers advice for using qualitative software tools
  • Stresses the importance of reflexivity

 

Sample Materials & Chapters

toc

ch 1-3


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