Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research: An Introduction

"This is the best book I have read in quite some time. Professor Ellingson writes clearly yet artfully and in a scholarly voice that is accessible to students and faculty alike. The weaving between description and illustrative case studies takes readers through the step-by-step journey of crystallization (as experienced and offered by Ellingson). The book is clearly grounded in philosophies of knowing and methods— yet, it offers practical strategies, questions, and choices for researchers." — Lynn M. Harter, Ohio University Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research, the first "how to" book to both explain and demonstrate crystallization methodology, offers a framework for blending grounded theory and other social scientific analyses with creative representations of data, such as narratives, poetry, and film. Author Laura L. Ellingson explores relevant epistemological questions that arise when crossing methodological boundaries, provides detailed steps for design and planning, offers guidelines for improving both social scientific and creative/artistic writing, and suggests strategies for targeting publication outlets for multigenre representations. Features   Articulates the principles of crystallization and how it enables researchers to both represent multiple perspectives on a phenomenon and highlight the partial nature of all claims of truth Breaks down the qualitative research barriers between the grounded theorists and those who favor artistic, interpretive, and creative approaches, exemplifying the possibilities for all Demonstrates the rich possibilities for blending social scientific, creative/artistic, and critical approaches to research Provides hands-on strategies that help practitioners and students collect, analyze, and represent qualitative data through crystallization Explores ethical challenges, the political nature of research findings, and the need for social justice activism among researchers Illustrates concepts with exemplars, featuring cutting-edge research in social sciences, education, and allied health Suitable for experienced practitioners and advanced students of qualitative methods, Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research is ideal for such courses as Intermediate/Advanced Qualitative Research, Ethnographic Methods, Grounded Theory, Field Research Methods, and Qualitative Inquiry.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction to Crystallization Constructing Crystallization Considering Genres Resisting Dichotomies: A Continuum of Qualitative Methods Principles of Crystallization Facets of the Crystal: Types of Crystallization Strengths of Crystallization Limitations of Crystallization Ethnographic Exemplars Organization of This Book Conclusion: Frequently Asked Questions About Crystallization Interlude: Introducing the Author 2. Ethics and Epistemology: Assumptions Underlying Crystallization What Is Epistemology and Why Does It Matter in Crystallization? Making Knowledge: An Epistemological Basis for Crystallization Voicing Other and Self: Ethics of Representation First Do No Harm: Some Ethical Cautions Strategies for Ethical Decision Making in Crystallization Conclusion Interlude: The Limits of Genre--An Exercise About Ethics and the Construction of Claims 3. Illuminating Options for Analysis and Representation Across the Continuum Traditional Forms of Analysis Same Old, Same Old: The Value of Traditional Qualitative Writing Aesthetics and Analysis: Hybrids of Art and Science Aesthetic Possibilities: Creative Analytic Practices Conclusion Interlude: Resisting Dichotomy, Embracing Continuum 4. Strategies for Design: Putting Crystallization Into Practice Wondering Weighing Your Options Re/considering the Role of Theory Decide on a Design Conclusion Interlude: Beware the Law of the Hammer 5. Bringing It All Together: Integrated Crystallization Creating a Coherent Multigenre Text Blending Genres and Blurring Boundaries: Woven Crystallization Woven Crystallization Exemplars Sharpening Edges and Separating Spaces: Patched Crystallization Patched Crystallization Exemplars Issues in Constructing Integrated Crystallization Interlude: Quilting as Activism 6. All Apart: Dendritic Crystallization Dendritic Practices Benefits of Dendritic Crystallization Dispersing Crystallized Findings A Dendritic Exemplar But Is This Really Crystallization? Interlude: Coincidence, Synchronicity, and Putting It Out to the Universe 7. Writing Across the Continuum Evaluating Writing and Representation Improving your Process Writing Well Bag of Tricks Conclusion Interlude: Representing Difference Writing Resources 8. Publishing and Promoting Crystallization Lessons of Crystallization Call to Action: Employing Crystallization to Promote Social Justice Getting the World Out: Pursuing Publication Justifying Your Work Enclosing Wild Power: A Conclusion/Invitation Interlude: When Your Work Is Rejected

About the Author :
Laura L. Ellingson, Ph.D, is Associate Professor of Communication at Santa Clara University. Her research focuses on feminist theory and gender studies, qualitative methodology, and communication in health care organizations, including interdisciplinary communication, teamwork, and provider-patient communication. She is the author of Communicating in the Clinic: Negotiating Frontstage and Backstage Teamwork (Hampton Press) and has published articles in Health Communication, Journal of Aging Studies, Journal of Applied Communication Research, Qualitative Health Research, Women’s Studies in Communication, and Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. Currently, she is conducting an ethnography of communication in a dialysis clinic and a qualitative study of communication between aunts and their nieces/nephews.

Review :
"[This] book emphasizes effective communication and how to articulate complex information to an audience. Although the book is intended primarily for qualitative researchers, I believe it may be an equally important work for quantitative researchers. In reading this book, I have gained a deeper appreciation for qualitative research in general and a better understanding of how different methods can be applied toward understanding truth." "The book′s key strength is its informed style and uplifting optimism about the future not only of qualitative research but of research at large...the book offers many ideas for researchers to play with and is a thorough and illuminating introduction to the theories, procedures, and politics of qualitative inquiry and publishing."