Qualitative Methodology: A Practical Guide

Fresh, insightful and clear, this exciting textbook provides an engaging introduction to the application of qualitative methodology in the real world. Expert researchers then trace the history and philosophical underpinnings of different methodologies, explore the specific demands each places upon the researcher and robustly set out relevant issues surrounding quality and rigor. Featured methodologies include action research, discourse analysis, ethnography, grounded theory, case studies and narrative inquiry. This practical book provides a helpful guide to the research process - it introduces the relevant methods of generating, collecting and analysing data for each discrete methodology and then looks at best practice for presenting findings. This enables new researchers to compare qualitative methods and to confidently select the approach most appropriate for their own research projects. Key features include: Summary table for each chapter - allowing quick checks to test knowledge 'Window into' sections - real world examples showing each methodology in action Student activities Learning objectives Full glossary Annotated suggestions for further reading Links to downloadable SAGE articles Links to relevant websites and organizations This is an invaluable resource for students and researchers across the social sciences and a must-have guide for those embarking on a research project.

Table of Contents:
An Introduction To Qualitative Research Designs Practical Philosophy Methodology: The Blueprint for Qualitative Research Action Research Discourse Analysis Ethnography Grounded Theory Historical Research Case Study Narrative Inquiry Phenomenology Writing Your Formal Proposal Quality in Qualitative Research A New Era of Qualitative Research

About the Author :
Jane Mills is Associate Professor, Director Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research and Deputy Dean of the Graduate Research School at James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Australia. In this role Jane works closely with students and academic staff to build research and research education with the intent of creating a brighter future for life in the tropics world-wide through graduates and discoveries that make a difference.  Jane’s research in in the areas of  primary health care, health workforce development, health systems strengthening, and teaching and learning uses both grounded theory and mixed methods. Jane has published extensively in the area of qualitative methodology with her work on grounded theory particularly well received. She has been writing with Melanie for nearly 10 years and together they have produced a number of important peer-reviewed articles and books that have guided students in their own work.  Visit Jane Mills’ website at http://research.jcu.edu.au/portfolio/jane.mills/. Melanie Birks is employed as Professor of Nursing (Teaching and Learning) at James Cook University, a role which serves her passions for education, research and nursing. Her primary focus is on the promotion of scholarship in teaching and learning through mentorship and fostering a culture of research. She has extensive experience in international education, having taught in Hong Kong, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia. Her research interests are in the areas of accessibility, innovation, relevance and quality in nursing education to ensure preparation of graduates who are industry-ready and able to make a contribution to the profession. Her commitment to research is reflected in her publication history, which includes numerous journal articles and book chapters. Most recently, she co-authored a qualitative research text for graduate students, Qualitative methodology: A Practical Guide with Dr Jane Mills.

Review :
Of the many books about qualitative research, this one is particularly engaging to read. It will be useful to the novice as an introductory text and to experienced researcher as a refresher. The book′s structure allows the reader to compare the characteristics of each method and examples of how each could be employed. Here is something really worthwhile but rarely seen: a useful book on qualitative research methods. This book offers a welcome focus on the theoretical underpinnings of the major qualitative methods allowing students to thoroughly engage with the rationality behind the approach to analysis. Each chapter is full of useful examples of research and the extensive references give students plenty of guidance on what to read next. This is a very useful text for developing research awareness and critical thinking skills, not just because it offers students to reflect explicitly on a critical response to the content, but because of its explanatory writing style. I recommend Qualitative Methodology: A Practical Guide as an invaluable resource for students, instructors, thesis supervisors, and researchers in social sciences and applied fields such as education.