Qualitative Research Methods
Collecting Evidence, Crafting Analysis, Communicating Impact
1. Edition December 2012
368 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Qualitative Research Methods is a comprehensive,
all-inclusive resource for the theory and practice of
qualitative/ethnographic research methodology.
* Serves as a "how-to" guide for
qualitative/ethnographic research, detailing how to design a
project, conduct interviews and focus groups, interpret and analyze
data, and represent it in a compelling manner
* Demonstrates how qualitative data can be systematically
utilized to address pressing personal, organizational, and social
problems
* Written in an engaging style, with in-depth examples from the
author's own practice
* Comprehensive companion website includes sample syllabi, lesson
plans, a list of helpful website links, test bank and exam review
materials, and exercises and worksheets, available upon publication
at href="http://www.wiley.com/go/tracy">www.wiley.com/go/tracy
Preface: is this book for me? xiv
1 Developing contextual research that matters 1
2 Entering the conversation of qualitative research 20
3 Paradigmatic reflections and theoretical foundations 37
4 Fieldwork and fieldplay: Negotiating access and exploring the scene 64
5 Proposal writing: Explaining your research to institutional review boards, instructors, supervisory committees, and funding agencies 87
6 Field roles, fieldnotes, and field focus 105
7 Interview planning and design: Sampling, recruiting, and questioning 130
8 Interview practice: Embodied, mediated, and focus-group approaches 157
9 Data analysis basics: A pragmatic iterative approach 183
10 Advanced data analysis: The art and magic of interpretation 203
11 Qualitative quality: Creating a credible, ethical, significant study 227
12 Writing Part 1: The nuts and bolts of qualitative tales 251
13 Writing Part 2: Drafting, polishing, and publishing 273
14 Qualitative methodology matters: Exiting and communicating impact 296
Appendix A Fieldnote 315
Appendix B Focus group guide 317
Appendix C Interview transcription excerpts 321
References 325
Index 341
explanation of qualitative data gathering, analysis, and writing,
and provides the approach to evaluating qualitative quality. It is
designed to provide enough methodological details to be helpful to
graduate students and advanced scholars, and is a comprehensive
resource for the theoretical undergrounds and practical conduct of
methodology." (NeoPopRealism Journal, 1 August
2013)
"Sarah Tracy has crafted an arresting and energetic field
guide for those undertaking qualitative work in a wide variety of
research areas. Comprehensive and eclectic yet full of solid tips
and engaging examples. A good read for the experienced qualitative
researcher and a most practical and thoughtful one for the
uninitiated."
- John Van Maanen, Erwin H. Schell Professor of Organization
Studies, MIT
"I can't wait to teach qualitative methods again,
just so I can use Sarah Tracy's well-researched, readable,
and comprehensive book. Rarely has a text so successfully connected
personal experience with engaging and storied plotlines, practical
advice, and conceptual and analytic development.
Perfect for demonstrating the value of all approaches, it's a
winner in every way. Those in Communication--all fields
really--are in for a real treat!"
- Carolyn Ellis, University of South Florida
Communication at Arizona State University-Tempe. She has
contributed more than 50 essays to such publications as
Qualitative Inquiry, Communication Monographs, Management
Communication Quarterly, and others. Dr. Tracy's research
has garnered international acclaim and she regularly serves as
qualitative methodology expert for granted research.