Qualitative Communication Research Methods

Qualitative Communication Research Methods, Fourth Edition introduces readers to qualitative research in speech and mass communication, providing numerous examples of work in the field to illustrate how studies are designed, carried out, written, evaluated, and related to theory.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Chapter 1. Introduction to Qualitative Communication Research Rounding the (Paradigm) Bases: A Brief History of Qualitative Communication Research Covering New Material(ism), Going Big: Two Trends in Qualitative Communication Research Conclusion Exercises Chapter 2. The Diversity of Qualitative Research in Communication Subfields Baker’s Dozen: Thirteen Subfields, Thirteen Stories of Qualitative Communication Research Conclusion Exercises Chapter 3. Theoretical Traditions and Qualitative Communication Research Introduction: “What Would You Like on Your Sandwich?” The Phenomenological Tradition The Sociocultural Tradition Critical Theories Conclusion Exercises Chapter 4. Design I: Planning Research Projects Introduction “My City, My Society, and My Life”: Renee’s Story Sources of Research Ideas Evaluating the Scene Conclusion Exercises Chapter 5. Design II: Implementing Research Projects Introduction Negotiating Access Exploratory and Mixed Methods Sampling Human Subject Protections The Research Proposal Conclusion Exercises Chapter 6. Producing Data I: Participation, Observation, and Recording Communication Introduction: Welcome to Fieldwork Ethnography and Participant Observation Successful Participant Observation Adapting Roles Tactical Observing Writing Fieldnotes Conclusion Exercises Chapter 7. Producing Data II: Qualitative Interviewing Introduction Purposes of the Qualitative Interview Types of Interviews in Communication Research Interviewing Practices Question Design and Use Transcribing Interviews Conclusion Exercises Chapter 8. Producing Data III: Studying Materiality Introduction Material Culture Documents Conclusion Exercises Chapter 9. Sensemaking I: Analyzing, Coding, and Managing Data Introduction Qualitative Data Analysis: An Overview In-Process Writing Categories and Codes Grounded Theory Coding Examples Leaving the Field Tools for Analysis Conclusion Exercises Chapter 10. Sensemaking II: Creating, Evaluating, and Enhancing Interpretations of Data Introduction Creating Interpretations Evaluating Interpretations Enhancing Interpretations Conclusion Exercises Chapter 11. Writing, Authoring, and Publishing Introduction: Going Public The Crisis of Representation After the Fall: Reading and Writing Qualitative Research Institutional Contexts of Qualitative Writing The Craft of Qualitative Writing: Three Types of Formats and Their Related Strategies Some Final Thoughts on Writing Exercises Epilogue References Author Index Subject Index

About the Author :
Thomas R. Lindlof is a Professor in the School of Journalism and Telecommunications at the University of Kentucky. He received his B.A. from the University of Florida, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to joining the University of Kentucky faculty, he served on the faculty at the Pennsylvania State University. His research and graduate teaching are focused on the cultural analysis of mediated communication, media audience theory and research, social uses of communication technology, and interpretive research methods. His research has appeared in numerous scholarly outlets, including Communication Research, the Journal of Communication, the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, Journalism Quarterly, Journalism Studies, the Journal of Media and Religion, the Social Science Computer Review, and Communication Yearbook. He has served as the editor of the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, and currently serves on the editorial boards of four journals. He has written or edited five books. His latest book, Hollywood under Siege: Martin Scorsese, the Religious Right, and the Culture Wars, was published by the University Press of Kentucky in 2008. Bryan C. Taylor, Associate Professor, specializes in interpretive research methods, organizational communication, and cultural studies. His principal research program involves studies of nuclear and (post-) Cold War communication. This research explores ideological articulations of gender, ethnicity, technology, and (ir)rationality in organizational and cultural discourse. He is also interested in cultural studies of identity, technology, gender, organization, and media. His research has been published in Journal of Applied Communication Research, Communication Research, Critical Studies in Mass Communication, Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, Quarterly Journal of Speech, Rhetoric and Public Affairs, Studies in Cultures, Organizations, and Societies, and elsewhere. Current projects include a book about the impact of the Cold War on the speech communication discipline. He received his B.A. (1983) from the University of Massachusetts, his M.A.(1987) and Ph.D. (1991) from the University of Utah. Prior to joining the CU-Boulder faculty in 1995 he served on the faculty at Texas A&M University. He was the 1998 recipient of the Young Investigator Award from the Rhetorical and Communication Theory Division of NCA.

Review :
"This is the best qualitative methods book I’ve seen, especially among books aimed at undergraduate audiences." "The book is exceptionally well written and easy to read even for students who know nothing about research methods." "The engaging and accessible (generally) nature of writing is excellent and provides good inspiration and a good foundation to build on in terms of introductions to key steps and dimensions in qualitative research. The referencing of examples from ‘real’ research is attractive to lecturers and students alike and makes the introduction to qualitative research come alive."  "An insightful and thoroughly researched book that will be extremely helpful for students aiming to engage with qualitative research at a deeper level."