Qualitative Methods in Social Work Research: (SAGE Sourcebooks for the Human Services)

The Second Edition of Qualitative Methods in Social Work Research provides accessible how-to instruction for social work and other practice-based researchers interested in carrying out rigorous and relevant qualitative research. This comprehensive, expanded version offers a sophisticated introduction to qualitative methods based upon six major approaches: ethnography, grounded theory, case study, narrative, phenomenological, and participatory action research. Similar to the earlier edition, this Second Edition is a highly readable introduction to qualitative research that combines attention to methodological rigor with pragmatic concerns for real-world relevance. New to the Second Edition   Offers guidelines for writing a qualitative methods proposal Emphasizes community-based and cross-cultural research Presents case illustrations of exemplary qualitative studies, with several drawn from the author′s qualitative study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health Provides an expanded discussion of the paradigm debates in qualitative inquiry Gives detailed instructions on coding and thematic development Intended Audience   This textbook is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses such as Introduction to Qualitative Methods, Advance Topics in Qualitative Methods, Field Research, and Qualitative Evaluation in the fields of social work, nursing, education, family and community medicine, public health, psychology, and public administration.

Table of Contents:
PREFACE 1. The Qualitative Methods Family 2. Choosing the Right Approach(es) 3. Getting Started: Study Design and Sampling 4. Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research 5. Entering the Field and Conducting Observation 6. Interviewing and Use of Documents 7. Data Analysis and Interpretation 8. Strategies for Rigor 9. Telling the Story: Writing Up the Qualitative Study 10. Mixed Methods APPENDIX: WRITING A QUALITATIVE METHODS PROPOSAL FOR EXTERNAL FUNDING REFERENCES INDEX ABOUT THE AUTHOR

About the Author :
Dr. Deborah K. Padgett is widely known for her expertise in qualitative and mixed methods including this third edition and a companion text Qualitative and Mixed Methods in Public Health (Sage, 2012). She is first author of Housing First: Ending Homelessness, Transforming Systems and Changing Lives (Oxford University Press, 2015) and has published extensively on mental health needs and service use of homeless adults and other underserved populations. Dr. Padgett was Principal Investigator on two NIMH-funded R01 grants, both qualitative studies of engagement and recovery among formerly homeless adults in supportive housing in New York City.  She served as President of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), culminating in the establishment of the SSWR "Deborah K. Padgett Early Career Award" in recognition of her contributions. She is a member of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare (AASWSW) and serves on its Board. In 2013, Dr. Padgett received New York University’s Distinguished Teaching Award.

Review :
This book is a must for any social worker interested in qualitative research. With a style that it is exceptionally easy to read, it provides all the basics around theory, the practical "how-to′s", cautions/pitfalls and as well as plentiful examples to illustrate the concepts presented. It also provides information about additional readings and resources for an area you want to delve further. It will answer many, if not all, the questions you have about qualitative research. The book will make you excited about qualitative methods, and is so interesting and enjoyable to read, that I read it cover to cover in less than a week. I could barely put it down! There aren′t a whole lot of other research books that can make that claim!