Qualitative Research

Preface vii

Foreword xvii

Paul Haidet, MD, MPH

About the Authors xxiii

Acknowledgments xxvii

Part One: The Design of Qualitative Research 1

1 What Is Qualitative Research? 5

2 Six Common Qualitative Research Designs 27

3 Expanding the Qualitative Paradigm: Critical Research, and Action and Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) 53

4 Qualitative Research in Mixed Methods and Arts-Based Approaches 75

5 Designing Your Study and Selecting a Sample 97

Part Two: Collecting Qualitative Data 133

6 Conducting Effective Interviews 135

7 Being a Careful Observer 169

8 Mining Data from Documents and Artifacts 197

Part Three: Analyzing and Reporting Qualitative Data 227

9 Qualitative Data Analysis 231

10 Validity, Reliability, and Ethics 279

11 Writing Up Qualitative Research 315

Appendix: The Methodology Section of a Qualitative Research Study 353

Sharan B. Merriam

References 361

Name Index 395

Subject Index 405

"This is the book through which I first learned qualitative research and is still the textbook I pull from my shelves when mentoring colleagues and trainees on the subject. The authors provide an accessible overview with opportunities for deeper dives into the complexities of starting qualitative research. The practical examples throughout the book underpin each section and help put principles into context for any budding health services or social science researcher. From critical and participatory research to arts-based approaches, this book has it all. 10/10--I would recommend this text to anyone looking to develop their qualitative research skills in the medical and health professions and beyond."
--Dr. Ben Vipler, MD, M. Ed, Associate Professor, Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine

"Whether you're a novice or an experienced researcher, this book is an essential guide to mastering qualitative inquiry. It combines clear, practical strategies with rich theoretical insights to navigate the research process. This new edition is a must-read for researchers from all disciplines and professions to confidently conduct qualitative research in today's evolving landscape."
--Monica Fedeli, PhD, Professor of Teaching and Learning Methods and Organizational Development, University of Padua, Italy

"Amidst a crowd of contenders, this book is my top recommendation for researching experience and meaning that informs professional practices of all types--especially those in the medical and health professions--they will find examples that are significant."
--Dan Pratt, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Educational Studies, Centre for Health Education Scholarship, University of British Columbia

"This book is strong and engaging, pulling you effortlessly from chapter to chapter, with historical examples woven in to give you a richer understanding of the context. The authors draw on their deep well of knowledge to distill even the most challenging concepts into easy-to-grasp insights. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of qualitative research."
--Dr. Liz Beverly, PhD, Professor of Primary Care, OHF Ralph S. Licklider, D.O. Endowed Professor in Behavioral Diabetes Ohio University of Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Dr. Elizabeth J. Tisdell is Distinguished Professor Emerita of Lifelong Learning and Adult Education at Penn State University--Harrisburg.

Dr. Sharan B. Merriam is a retired professor of adult education at the University of Georgia. She is the author, coauthor, or editor of numerous books, including Learning in Adulthood.

Dr. Heather L. Stuckey-Peyrot is co-director of the Qualitative and Mixed-Method Core at the Penn State College of Medicine.

E. J. Tisdell, Pennsylvania State University; S. B. Merriam, University of Georgia; H. L. Stuckey-Peyrot, Penn State College of Medicine