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README FIRST for a User's Guide to Qualitative Methods
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README FIRST for a User's Guide to Qualitative Methods

Third Edition


June 2012 | 336 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
The Third Edition of this popular text offers those new to qualitative inquiry a clear and practical guide to the reasons for doing qualitative research, the fit of questions to methods, and the tasks of getting started. In their direct and friendly style, Lyn Richards and Janice Morse help researchers reflect on why they are working qualitatively, how to choose an appropriate method, and confidently approach research design, data making, coding, analyzing and finally writing up their results.
 
Preface
 
About the Authors
 
1. Why Readme First?
 
Part I. Thinking Research
 
2. The Integrity of Qualitative Research
 
3. Choosing a Method
 
4. Qualitative Research Design
 
Part II. Inside Analysis
 
5. Making Data
 
6. Coding
 
7. Abstracting
 
8. From Method to Analysis: Revisiting Methodological Congruence
 
Part III. Getting It Right
 
9. On Getting It Right and Knowing if It's Wrong
 
10. Writing It Up
 
Part IV. Beginning Your Project
 
11. Groundwork for Beginning Your Project
 
12. Getting Started
 
Appendix 1. Qualitative Software: Where to Go Next
 
Appendix 2. Applying for Funding
 
References
 
Author Index
 
Subject Index

“This text offers current thinking in the field. The authors are well-established qualitative researchers and have pulled off a great text for the beginning researcher.”

Matthew A. Eichler
Texas State University - San Marcos

“The key strength of this text is the discussion and presentation of how to think about qualitative research. This is the only text that discusses the process of thinking before doing at any stage of the research project from the general idea to the writing up and submitting for publication. This kind of discussion is extremely helpful for novice or experienced researchers as it helps them to take a step back in the middle of the research process, rethink clearly and improve the project.”

Ruth Segal
Seton Hall University

“This book combines the basics of qualitative research methods (why we choose qualitative over quantitative when we are trying to answer specific questions about human behavior) and the nuts and bolts of how to actually do qualitative research. I like that it explains qualitative research from conceptualization to writing up the results. Not a lot of textbooks accomplish this – they allude to a lot, but they don’t include the necessary information that this textbook includes.”

Rhonda R. Buckley
Texas Woman’s University

“The text is very clear and well organized, and accessible for new students. In comparison to many other introductory texts, it really brings to the fore the need for theoretical and methodological coherence.”

Irina L. G. Todorova
Northeastern University

“An invaluable introduction to qualitative inquiry that emphasizes several points that I rarely find in other texts and, although somewhat subtle, they are extremely important for doing rigorous research.”

Sandra Mott
Boston College

I used this book in a Research Design class that was entry level intro to qual and quant research for graduate students in OD. It was easy to understand for students for the qualitative segment of the class, but I think I would choose a different text next time. It is better than Creswell in my opinion, but I am going to give Sarah Tracy's text a try next time. I like her use of language better and it is simpler to understand without being condescending to grad students.

Ms Mary Fambrough
Sch Of Organization Stds, Alliant Intl Univ-San Fran Bay
November 3, 2016

A good overview of the research process, but insufficient as a standalone practical guide.

Dr Marian Iszatt-White
Department of Leadership and Managment, Lancaster University
August 30, 2016

Excellent text to explain nitty gritty of qualitative research, helps students to make links between abstract and concrete.

Dr Sarah Kendal
School of Human & Health Sciences, Huddersfield University
February 10, 2016

Excellent reading material for those newly embarking into qualitative research. I have recommended this as essential reading for those at the end of undergraduate programmes or at the beginning of Masters level.

Dr Aled Jones
School of Nursing & Midwifery Studies, Cardiff University
February 24, 2014

An excellent introduction to the subject matter for undergraduate students, non-ideological and straightforward.

Mr Felix Seyfarth
SHSS, Leitung Handlungskompetenz, University of St. Gallen
October 30, 2013

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SAGE Research Methods is a research methods tool created to help researchers, faculty and students with their research projects. SAGE Research Methods links over 175,000 pages of SAGE’s renowned book, journal and reference content with truly advanced search and discovery tools. Researchers can explore methods concepts to help them design research projects, understand particular methods or identify a new method, conduct their research, and write up their findings. Since SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines, it can be used across the social sciences, health sciences, and more.

With SAGE Research Methods, researchers can explore their chosen method across the depth and breadth of content, expanding or refining their search as needed; read online, print, or email full-text content; utilize suggested related methods and links to related authors from SAGE Research Methods' robust library and unique features; and even share their own collections of content through Methods Lists. SAGE Research Methods contains content from over 720 books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks, the entire “Little Green Book,” and "Little Blue Book” series, two Major Works collating a selection of journal articles, and specially commissioned videos.