An Introduction to Qualitative Research

This book leads the new researcher into the field by explaining the core concepts through theory, research and applied examples. This Fourth Edition now provides boxes that include real-world examples; new content on using social media, blogs, and doing research online; and more international examples. 

The updatedFourth Edition of Rossman and Rallis’s popular introductory text leads the new researcher into the field by explaining the core concepts through theory, research, and applied examples. Woven into the chapters are three themes that are the heart of the book: first, research is about learning; second, research can and should be useful; and finally, a researcher should practice the highest ethical standards to ensure that a study is trustworthy. TheFourth Edition includes an elaborate discussion of systematic inquiry as well as a nuanced discussion of developing a conceptual framework.

1. Qualitative Research as Learning
Doing Qualitative Research: Tales of Three Characters
Defining Qualitative Research
Common Characteristics
Typical Purposes and Overall Approaches
The Characters′ Choices
Ways of Using Research
Dispositions and Skills
Overview of the Book
Activities for Your Community of Practice
Further Reading
2. The Researcher as Learner
What is Learning?
The Reflexivity of Qualitative Research
Paradigms
Perspective in Practice
Dispositions and Skills
Activities for Your Community of Practice
Further Reading
3. The Researcher as Competent and Ethical
What Does Trustworthiness Matter?
What Makes a Trustworthy Study?
Systematic Practice
Ethical Practice
Dispositions and Skills
Activities for Your Community of Practice
Further Reading
4. Major Qualitative Research Genres
Choosing the Locus of Interest
Ethnographic Genres
Phenomenological Genres
Sociolinguist Genres
Case Studies
Dispositions and Skills
Activities for Your Community of Practice
Further Reading
5. Conceptualizing and Planning the Research
Practical Considerations
What is a Research Proposal?
Conceptual Framework
Design and Methods
Dispositions and Skills
Activities for Your Community of Practice
Further Reading
6. Entering the Field
Preparation
Intended Involvement
Approach and Negotiations
Expectations and Relationships
Dispositions and Skills
Activities for Your Community of Practice
Further Reading
7. Gathering Data in the Field
Decisions About Gathering Data
Systematic Inquiry
Generic In-Depth Interviewing
Specialized In-Depth Interviewing
Special Considerations
Observing People, Actions, and Events
Studying Material Culture
Dispositions and Skills
Activities for Your Community of Practice
Further Reading
8. Issues That Arise in the Field
How Do I Prepare to Gather Data?
How Can I Get Comfortable in the Field?
What are the Data?
How Do I Turn Sights, Sounds, and Objects Into Data?
Two Languages: Which Do I Use?
How Can I Change My Research Plan?
What Do I Reflect On?
How Do I Leave the Field?
Dispositions and Skills
Activities for Your Community of Practice
Further Reading
9. Our Character′s Data
Anthony′s Data
Marla′s Data
Ruth′s Data
Activities for Your Community of Practice
10. Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Analysis Happens
Generic Analysis
Writing In-Process Analytic Memos
Strategies for Analyzing Interview Data
Strategies for Analyzing Field Notes From Observations
Strategies for Analyzing Material Culture
Dispositions and Skills
Activities for Your Community of Practice
Further Reading
11. Our Characters′ Analyses
Anthony′s Analysis
Ruth′s Analysis
Marla′s Analysis
Dispositions and Skills
Activities for Your Community of Practice
12. Presenting the Learnings
Presentation
Voice
An Example
Organizing the Report
Using the Dispositions and Skills to Generate Useful Knowledge
Activities for Your Community of Practice
Further Reading