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Qualitative Research for the Social Sciences
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Qualitative Research for the Social Sciences



October 2013 | 448 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Focusing on the integral role of the researcher, Qualitative Research for the Social Sciences uses a conversational writing style that draws readers into the excitement of the research process. Lichtman offers a balanced and nuanced approach, covering the full range of qualitative methodologies and viewpoints about the field, including coverage of social media as a tool to facilitate research or as a venue for study. After presenting theoretical concepts and a historical overview, Lichtman guides readers, step by step, through the research process, addressing issues of analyzing data, presenting completed research, and evaluating research. Real-world examples from across the social sciences provide both practical and theoretical information, helping readers understand abstract ideas and apply them to their own research.
 
PART I. CONCEPTUAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT
 
Chapter 1. Introduction
 
Chapter 2. Qualitative Research—A Reflexive Stance
 
Chapter 3. Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research
 
Chapter 4. Conceptualizing Research Approaches
 
Chapter 5. A Detailed Examination of Common Approaches
 
Chapter 6. A Review of Additional Research Approaches
 
PART II. THE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH PROCESS
 
Chapter 7. Planning and Conceptualizing a Qualitative Research Study
 
Chapter 8. Social Media, the Internet, and Technology
 
Chapter 9. A Review of Research Literature
 
Chapter 10. Interviewing
 
Chapter 11. Additional Methods of Gathering Data
 
PART III. THE FINAL PRODUCT
 
Chapter 12. Drawing Meaning from the Data
 
Chapter 13. Communicating Your Ideas
 
Chapter 14. Judging the Research Process and Product
 
Epilogue: Social Science and the Future of Qualitative Research
 
Glossary

A decent text, but did not quite meet my needs for the particular course for which I was considering it.

Professor Edwin Gantt
Psychology Dept, Brigham Young Univ-Provo
February 21, 2014

I have found 2 other books which I thought were more applicable to the level of my students and what they need.

I have put through orders to all the libraries on our different campuses to order some copies of this book as it is a beneficial resource which should be available to them.

Dr Samantha Leonard
Department of Development Studies, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
January 17, 2014

The text is suitable for levels 5 & 6 and offers students a broad summary of the methodology and approaches to conducting research

Mr Samuel Messam
Sport, Bradford College
January 13, 2014

There is often a choice when it comes to qualitative research books. They are either very difficult for students to understand as they appear to be written for those researchers who are already applying the methods, or they can be made a little too simplistic in their explanations that the meaning gets lost. This publication sits nicely in the middle. It is easy to understand yet does delve in depth into the different topics. It covers all aspects of the area It also gives cautionary thoughts too and presents questions for the reader to consider - very important for students when considering their research methods. This is certainly one of the best research books that I have read in ecent years and it has now been recommended to our students.

Mr Shane Payne
Engineering, Leicester College
December 20, 2013

I think the book provides a really good explanation of the research process using qualitative methodology. All of the chapters are well-written and easy to read, also providing concrete examples on for instance how to conduct interviews, providing steps on how to do qualitative analysis etc. What I liked was also the chapter about reviewing the research literature which is many times in the books about Evidence-based practice. Also, the use of technology chapter is very helpful, especially since the technology is really important in our every day lifes now. I would really recommend this book and I plan to order more copies for our library.

Miss Tanja Krizaj
School of Health Professions, University of Plymouth
December 18, 2013

Applicable to the South African environment especially to prospective forensic investigation students.

Mr Hennie Lochner
Police Practice, Unisa
November 24, 2013

An excellent and accessible guide for Social Science students - this book untangles and demystifies.

Ms Therese Lewis
Faculty of Health, Social Work & Educ, Northumbria University
November 12, 2013

A nicely structured book that uses very approachable language for students. A great source for in-depth further reading sources.

Mr Neil Brooks
Marketing & Retail Management, Oxford Brookes University
November 5, 2013
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Chapter 1


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