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The Practice of Qualitative Research
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The Practice of Qualitative Research
Engaging Students in the Research Process

Third Edition


April 2016 | 432 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

The Practice of Qualitative Research guides readers step by step through the process of collecting, analyzing, designing, and interpreting qualitative research. Written in an engaging style, this student-cantered text offers invaluable insights into the practice of qualitative research, with coverage of in-depth interviewing, focus groups, ethnography, case study, and mixed methods research.

The Third Edition features even more integrated attention to online research and implications of social media throughout all methods chapters; updates on qualitative analysis software; and significantly expanded coverage of ethics.

 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Part I: Taking a Qualitative Approach to Research
 
Chapter 1: An Invitation to Qualitative Research
What’s Wrong With This Picture?

 
What Is Qualitative Research?

 
A Holistic Approach to Research

 
What to Learn From This Book

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
 
Chapter 2: Paradigmatic Approaches to Qualitative Research
What Are the Major Paradigmatic Approaches to Qualitative Research?

 
Positivism

 
The Interpretive Strand

 
The Critical Strand

 
Conclusion

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
 
Chapter 3: Designing Qualitative Approaches to Research
How Do We Know What We Know?

 
What Is a Qualitative Approach to Research? Qualitative Research Inquiry: A Dynamic Dance

 
Conclusion

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
 
Chapter 4: The Ethics of Social Research
Why Is Ethical Practice Important?

 
A Short History of Ethics in Research

 
How Are Research Participants Protected Today?

 
Beyond Informed Consent: What Are the Ethical Dilemmas in Social Research?

 
How Can I Observe Ethical Values in My Research Practice?

 
Do New Technologies Impact the Practice of Ethical Research?

 
Conclusion

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
 
Part II. Qualitative Research Practice
 
Chapter 5: In-Depth Interviewing
What Is an In-Depth Interview?

 
How Do You Design and Conduct an In-Depth Interview Study?

 
How Do You Conduct an In-Depth Interview

 
How Do You Analyze and Interpret Interviews?

 
Conclusion

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
 
Chapter 6: Focus Group Research
What Are Focus Group Interviews?

 
Online Focus Groups

 
Ethics and Focus Group Research

 
Conclusion

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
 
Chapter 7: Ethnography
What Is Ethnography?

 
Using an Ethnographic Approach: When Is It Appropriate?

 
Virtual Ethnographic Methods

 
How Do You Gather and Manage Your Ethnographic Data?

 
Conclusion

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
 
Chapter 8: Case Study
What Is a Case Study?

 
Reasons for Adopting a Case Study Approach

 
Why Conduct Case Study Research?

 
Case Study Examples

 
Conclusion

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
 
Chapter 9: Researching Mass Media: Images and Texts by Heather McIntosh and Lisa Cuklantz
What Is Content Analysis?

 
Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative and Qualitative Content Analysis

 
Qualitative Content Analysis of Online Texts

 
How Is the Research Database for Content Analysis Defined and Delimited?

 
Making a Theoretical Contribution

 
Conclusion

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
Appendix: Formal Analysis in Film and Television

 
 
Chapter 10: Mixed Methods Research
What Is Mixed Methods Research?

 
What Is a Mixed Methods Research Design?

 
What Is a Qualitatively Driven Approach to Mixed Methods Research Inquiry?

 
Why Do Qualitative Researchers Use Mixed Methods?

 
What to Consider When Conducting a Mixed Methods Research Project

 
Conclusion

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
 
Part III: Tying the Strands Together
 
Chapter 11: Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative Data
What Is Qualitative Data Analysis?

 
What Is Coding?

 
A Grounded Theory Approach to Coding

 
How Do You Code Data?

 
Software for Qualitative Data Analysis

 
How Can I Use a Software Program to Analyze My Qualitative Data?

 
Conclusion

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
 
Chapter 12: Writing and Representation of Qualitative Research Projects
Who Is Your Audience?

 
Getting It Done: Writing Up Your Qualitative Research Project

 
Editing and Revising Your Research Paper

 
How Do I Represent the Voices of My Respondents?

 
Conclusion

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
 
Conclusion: Future Directions of Qualitative Research Inquiry
The Future of Qualitative Research: Coming at Things Differently

 
What's New in Qualitative Research Practice?

 
Emergent Methods: New Approaches to Old Methods

 
Impact of Online Research on the Process of Qualitative Inquiry

 
Staying Centered and Building Ethical Knowledge

 
Glossary

 
Discussion Questions

 
Resources

 
 
References
 
Index

Supplements

Instructor Teaching Site

Password-protected Instructor Resources include the following:

  • A Microsoft® Word® test bank is available containing multiple choice, true/false, and essay questions. The test bank provides you with a diverse range of pre-written options as well as the opportunity for editing any question and/or inserting your own personalized questions to effectively assess students’ progress and understanding.
  • Editable, chapter-specific Microsoft® PowerPoint® slides offer you complete flexibility in easily creating a multimedia presentation for your course. 
  • EXCLUSIVE! Access to certain full-text SAGE journal articles that have been carefully selected for each chapter. Each article supports and expands on the concepts presented in the chapter. 
Student Study Site

The open-access Student Study Site includes the following:

  • Mobile-friendly web quizzes allow for independent assessment of progress made in learning course material. 
  • EXCLUSIVE! Access to certain full-text SAGE journal articles that have been carefully selected for each chapter. Each article supports and expands on the concepts presented in the chapter.

This lucid text covers nearly every aspect of qualitative research, with useful attention being paid to the thorny logistics and pragmatic problems often encountered by researchers in the field. It is a great introduction for students and a necessary resource for the more seasoned.

Brian Creech
Temple University

This is a great step-by-step teaching tool for students on how to conduct qualitative research.

Kristen K. Bowen
Florida A&M University

With ample examples, The Practice of Qualitative Research provides clear guidance for students who aspire to conduct a qualitative research project.

Aya Kimura Ida
California State University - Sacramento

This is a practical and easy-to-use manual for doctoral students in our program. The book is a thorough understanding of all the nuances and challenges of qualitative research with step-by-step approaches. This book takes some of the burden off the doctoral chair and allows the student more independence. I'm impressed!

Jeanne L. Surface
University of Nebraska Omaha

In the new edition examples are clear, relevant, and applicable. Each chapter provides relevant, engaging examples that illustrate the selected method by including transcriptions, research studies, and personal accounts. Students will be required to read this text to learn about qualitative methods, but I predict this is one text they will actually want to read because it brings them stories of insights into the practice of learning the trade.

Susan L. Wortmann
Nebraska Wesleyan University

Hesse-Biber provides an excellent overview of foundational concepts of qualitative research. My students find the examples and vignettes from experts in the field to be helpful and engaging.

Kate Guthrie
School Of Education, Piedmont College-Athens Ctr
February 18, 2021

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


For instructors

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