Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research: An Introduction

Drawing upon her multi-award-winning research and book using crystallization, author Laura Ellingson presents the first-ever step-by-step guide to employing this cutting-edge methodology. Exploring Crystallization in Qualitative Research provides: thorough grounding in the field of qualitative research; answers to the relevant epistemological questions that arise when crossing inscribed methodological boundaries; detailed steps for design and planning; explication of the process of creating a multi-genre text and/or series of texts; suggestions for improving both social science and creative analytic writing; and strategies for targeting publication outlets. While other books have explained how to write the "new ethnography" and autoethnography, and still others have described how to conduct grounded theory in more traditional, social constructionist, and postmodern, frameworks, this is the first work to date that has bridged these worlds in a "how to" book that celebrates each on its own terms, acknowledges inherent limitations of any genre, and explains how to integrate them through crystallization.

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."