Qualitative Methodology: A Practical Guide - Paperback

by Jane Mills (Author), Melanie Birks (Author)

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.

Author Biography

Professor Jane Mills is an internationally recognised grounded theorist with a background in community nursing practice. Jane has authored over 100 peer reviewed publications including journal articles, book chapters and books many of which have focused on qualitative research methodologies. Since 2009, Jane has been employed at James Cook University Australia.

Professor Melanie Birks is also recognised internationally for her work in grounded theory methodology. Melanie has published numerous journal articles that address methodological processes in qualitative research, in particular in grounded theory. She has spent time teaching and researching in the international environment, particularly in East Malaysia, which was the setting for her PhD research.