Advanced Qualitative Research
A Guide to Using Theory
- Michelle O'Reilly - School of Psychology, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
- Nikki Kiyimba - University of Chester, UK
This distinctive, nuanced book addresses the more complex theoretical issues embedded in the qualitative research paradigm. Adopting a reflective stance that emphasises the role of the researcher it carefully avoids a standardised ‘tick box’ approach to methods.
Throughout each chapter, theory is powerfully and persuasively interwoven as its impact on practical topics such as data management and safety in the field is discussed. O'Reilly and Kiyimba bring an authority and clarity to the debate, taking us beyond the mechanical notions of qualitative methods and standardised approaches to research. Instead, they focus on subjects like methodological integrity, perspective driven data collection and theoretically-led analysis.
This will be an important resource for anyone looking to practically engage with advanced qualitative research methods.
I was so pleased with this book its has been so helpful for our learners . This is a comprehensive guide to using theory for students undertaking qualitative research . This is a must read for learners who need clear understanding of qualitative methods before undertaking research.
Here is a book that I know our doctoral students have been waiting for. As with most endeavours, embarking on postgraduate research often leaves people feeling very inadequate to the task, perhaps most of all in relation to recognising and employing the (most) appropriate methodology and method. Maybe a mix of methodologies or methods is preferable? This book will walk students – and potential students – through the issues involved. It is a confidence builder, and as such, invaluable. The presentations of the key concepts, approaches, design frameworks and practical matters such as recording and transcription are clear and unambiguous, very well supported by tables and figures. Particularly useful is the closing of each chapter with a case study, focused on the topic of the chapter, and asking a question of the reader in relation to a matter of qualitative research. There are then suggested answers to these questions in the final chapter of the book. We have programmes for both a standard Phd and a Professional Doctorate at our College, and this book is now on the recommended list for both sets of students.
This book had a lot going for it, but I wondered if it was actually an 'advanced' qualitative methods textbook. I suspect it is 'advanced' because a lot of introductory qualitative research teaching focuses completely on interviewing skills. This is a book that is written in an accessible and straightforward way to introduce students to the 'deep thinking' behind qualitative research. It would be a good companion to an analysis-focused or skills-focused text. I hope that in a subsequent edition, the first chapter can be reorganised for clarity, as I did not find it to be especially logical in its flow, but this is fairly minor.
Suggested for students wanting to look into conducting qualitative research
This book will be recommended but need to become evaluated by the students over some time.
I will recommend it when students work with their thesis.
The book covers key areas in order to conduct a solid qualitative research. Chapters are easy to grasp and full of practical advice. As the book is covering advanced research techniques I would see it more suitable for postgraduate students. However, undergraduate students would definitely benefit from this book when carrying their thesis research
Good material for the advanced reader
A really useful exposition of key concepts which I am using with a variety of my cohorts (up to PhD) and very well written.
This is a useful text for undergraduate students in social sciences. It offers succinct theory and models of research methods and it is an excellent reader.
This book is not designed as a 'how-to' guide to conducting a piece of qualitative research, and other books in the Sage portfolio would be more appropriate for this. Instead, it highlights a number of theoretical debates that have arisen in qualitative research over recent years, and aims to show how these can be related to applied work. A range of key topics have been selected for review and the voice of experience employed to show their application to real research. Additionally, reflective spaces and case studies serve to guide a student's thought process, and model answers provided. The information is presented clearly and accessibly and is written in a way that should be useful to qualitative researchers in any area. A strength of this book is the many useful, and indented, examples that illustrate the points made in the text.
