best qualitative research methods books

10 Best Research Books For Qualitative And Quantitative Research

Are you looking for the best research books? Take a look at some of the best books on research methods below.

Research methodology comes in many shapes and forms. Regardless of whether you are interested in qualitative or quantitative research, it is essential to find a book that can help you plan your research project adequately. Research design can vary from hard sciences to social sciences, but data analysis following a case study is usually similar. Therefore, you need a practical guide that can help you complete a research project and finish your research paper.

1. Qualitative Research: A Guide To Design And Implementation, 4th Edition

2. research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, 4th edition, 3. the research methods knowledge base, 3rd edition, 4. the craft of research, 5. doing your research project: open up study skills, 5th edition, 6. qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five approaches, 3rd edition, 7. the essential guide to doing your research project, 2nd edition, 8. introducing research methodology: a beginner’s guide to doing a research project, 2nd edition, 9. the sage handbook of qualitative research, 5th edition, 10. research methods in education, 7th edition, the final word on the best research books, what is the difference between quantitative research and qualitative research, how do i figure out which academic journal to publish my research in, further reading.

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When someone talks about qualitative research in academia, they refer to research that focuses on overall concepts and takeaways instead of complex numbers. For those conducting academic research, understanding the basics of this process is critical. Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation, by Sharan B. Merriam and Elizabeth J. Tisdell, 4th edition, is one of the best books available because it focuses on action research, mixed methods, online data sources, and some of the latest technology that people can use to complete their projects.

A significant portion of this book focuses on data analysis software packages, which have become critically important in an era where publishing in the best academic journals is critical for every successful researcher. Finally, this book explains topics so that nearly everyone can understand.

Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation

Merriam, Sharan B. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
368 Pages - 08/24/2015 (Publication Date) - John Wiley & Sons (Publisher)

Suppose you are looking for a book that can teach you the best research methodology. In that case, you will want to check out Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches by John W. Creswell, 4th edition. John Creswell is one of the most well-respected writers in case study research.

As books on how to research go, this one on quantitative and qualitative research methods is a great tool that will help you learn the basics of forming a research project in every field. This book covers philosophical assumptions and research projects, theory and research approaches, and conducts an effective literature review. These elements are also crucial in helping you form a step-by-step guide for your upcoming research project, and this book will teach you the basics of data analysis.

Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches

Research Design
Creswell, John W. (Author)
273 Pages - 04/22/2024 (Publication Date) - SAGE Publications, Inc (Publisher)

The first two editions were already solid, but the third edition of The Research Methods Knowledge Base, by William M.K. Trochim and James P. Donnelly, features many updates to quantitative and qualitative research methods, teaching graduate students the basics of data collection before diving into the details for more advanced learners.

One of the significant advantages of this text is that it is a comprehensive tool that can be used for both undergraduate and graduate-level courses. It has a relatively informal style and conversational feel, which means readers will not be intimidated by walls of text. The research methods it teaches are straightforward, applicable, and relevant to anyone looking to complete a research project in the current era.

The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 3rd Edition

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The Craft of Research, by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory C. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams, covers various research approaches that teach everyone the basics of forming a solid research project. In particular, this book focuses on what to do with the data after it has been collected.

People need to think about how their readers will interpret the structure of the paper, proactively anticipating questions they might have. By answering the reader’s questions in the initial version of the paper, it is easier to hold their attention from start to finish.

Of course, one of the most critical questions that must be asked when writing a research paper is, “so, what? Why does this information matter?” Researchers can keep this in mind while writing the introduction and conclusion of the paper so they will have an easier time constructing a powerful academic manuscript that is more likely to be accepted into the top academic journals.

The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)

Booth, Wayne C. (Author)
336 Pages - 10/18/2016 (Publication Date) - University of Chicago Press (Publisher)

Doing Your Research Project: Open Up Study Skills, by Judith Bell, is a must-read for new researchers looking to make their way in academic research. This book is helpful because it teaches people how to conduct a research project using step-by-step advice. A research project can be daunting for new learners because it’s easy to focus on the final project and feel intimidated before taking the first step.

This book is indispensable because it teaches people everything they need to know to develop a research project, draft a hypothesis, carry out the project, and finalize a research paper after conducting detailed data analysis. Furthermore, this text will dive into common mistakes, pitfalls, and obstacles researchers need to overcome. Time is your most valuable resource, and nobody wants to spend time on trials that will not be relevant to the final project.

Doing Youp Research Project (Open Up Study Skills)

Bell, Judith (Author)
296 Pages - 05/01/2010 (Publication Date) - Open University Press (Publisher)

Qualitative Inquiry And Research Design: Choose Among Five Approaches, 3rd Edition, Is The Latest In A Line Of Best-Selling Research Books From Creswell. This Book Ties Into People’s Philosophical Underpinnings When Developing A Research Project. It Also Looks At The History Of Various Research Projects, Which Serve As An Example For The Reader.

Overall, there are five traditions in qualitative research; grounded theory, phenomenology, narrative research, case study, and ethnography. Creswell uses an accessible writing style to help the reader understand when to use each of these narratives. Then, he dives into strategies for writing research papers using each of these approaches.

Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches

Used Book in Good Condition
472 Pages - 03/14/2012 (Publication Date) - SAGE Publications, Inc (Publisher)

The Essential Guide To Doing Your Research Project by Zina O’Leary is geared more toward young learners. As books on how to research, it focuses on how to develop a research project, analyze data, and write up the results. Every stage of the book is clearly explained, with the author specifying why it is essential to carry out that step correctly.

It also focuses on practical tips and tricks that learners can use to successfully carry out their research projects. The book includes helpful chapter summaries, a complete glossary, and boxed definitions for essential terms that should not be overlooked. The author also has a variety of suggestions for further reading, which is helpful for more advanced learners who may want to pick up a text that is a bit more detailed. Finally, the book also comes with access to a companion website. The website includes journal articles, real projects, worksheets, and podcasts.

O′Leary, Zina (Author)
384 Pages - 12/20/2013 (Publication Date) - SAGE Publications Ltd (Publisher)

Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner’s Guide to doing a research project, by Uwe Flick is ideal for new researchers. the author guides readers through the fundamentals that underpin a strong research project. He focuses on essential steps, common mistakes, and ways to expedite the research process.

Then, the author dives into some of the most critical skills readers need to have if they want to collect and analyze data properly. he goes into basic organizational tactics that make data easier to interpret, explains how to shorten the analytical process, and dives into real-life quantitative and qualitative research methods. He uses his research as an example, explaining to people how to pull out the essential parts of the research project before writing them up.

Flick, Uwe (Author)
320 Pages - 04/14/2015 (Publication Date) - SAGE Publications Ltd (Publisher)

The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research by Norman K. Denzin and Yvonna S. Lincoln focuses on global research. this text teaches readers how to synthesize existing literature, identify current research, and focus on caps that can be filled. the authors gather contributions from some of the most well-renowned researchers, addressing issues in research projects today. this text focuses more on research regarding social justice. therefore, this is better for people in the social sciences.

Hardcover Book
992 Pages - 02/15/2017 (Publication Date) - SAGE Publications, Inc (Publisher)

Research Methods in Education, by Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manon, and Keith Morrison, is essential for students and professional researchers who want to learn how to create a comprehensive research project. It’s broken up into helpful chapters wrapped up by a convenient summary at the end, explaining to readers how to hit the high points.

Research Methods in Education also comes with a helpful companion website that contains PowerPoint slides for every chapter. This book can be read independently and discussed with a classroom full of students. The book has been written at a level that is accessible even to high school students, but the basics can be a helpful review for graduate researchers.

Cohen, Louis (Author)
944 Pages - 10/27/2017 (Publication Date) - Routledge (Publisher)

Academic research comes in many shapes and forms, with qualitative and quantitative research having high points; however, the basics are the same across all fields. Researchers need to learn how to develop a hypothesis, put together a research methodology, collect their data, interpret it, and write up their findings.

It can be helpful to use the books about research above to refine your research methods . Each book focuses on a slightly different facet of academic research, so readers need to find the right book to meet their needs. With a substantial text, readers can avoid common mistakes, follow in the footsteps of successful researchers, and increase their chances of writing a solid research paper for school or getting their paper accepted into an academic journal.

Books About Research FAQs

Quantitative research focuses more on numbers and statistics. This type of research is more common in hard sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics.

Qualitative research focuses more on overall meanings and concepts. This type of research is more common in social sciences such as anthropology, archaeology, and research topics focusing on social justice.

It would help compare prior articles in that academic journal to the article you have written. Most academic journals focus on a specific field, and you need to submit your article to a publication that shares research articles similar to your own. Be sure to consider the prestige of the journal before submitting your paper.

If you enjoyed this round-up of the best research books, you might also like our top 11 essay writing tips for students .

You might also find our guide on essay topics for students helpful.

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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12 Good Books on Qualitative Research

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Published: June 20, 2023 | Updated: February 28, 2024

In today’s list, I am sharing with you some of the most impactful books that helped shape my understanding of qualitative research. These books are more than just academic texts; they are powerful tools that unlocked the secrets of data analysis, the art of crafting impactful narratives, and the science of asking the right questions.

Of all the wonderful resources listed, if I had to recommend just one indispensable guide, it would undoubtedly be John W. Creswell’s “ Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches “. This book offers an invaluable roadmap for any researcher, irrespective of their level of expertise, and forms the backbone of a successful research project. Creswell’s ingenious blend of methodologies is not just about theoretical knowledge; it instills the reader with a practical sense of how to design a robust and compelling research project.

For those of you interested in quantitative research, make sure to check out my other post entitled best books on quantitative research .

Books on Qualitative Research

Here are my picks for best books on qualitative research:

1. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, by John W. Creswell and J. David Creswell

This widely recognized book offers a comprehensive study of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methodologies. Its distinguishing feature is its juxtaposition of all three research designs, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced researchers. The authors provide a meticulous guide that starts with a fundamental understanding of philosophical suppositions, essential aspects of the research process, literature review, theory application in research, and the significance of writing and ethics in academic inquiry.

The updated edition includes a detailed discussion on research proposal design and research study steps. It sheds light on the positioning of epistemological and ontological views in relation to the selected research question and methodology. It also delves into the transformative worldview and features expanded insights into case studies, participatory action research, visual methods, and action research in mixed methods.

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

2. The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research, by Norman K. Denzin, Yvonna S. Lincoln, Michael D. Giardina, Gaile S. Cannella (Editors)

The Sixth Edition of The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research is virtually a new volume, delivering an enriching dialogue on the discipline, practices, and conduct of qualitative inquiry. This edition pioneers fresh perspectives and techniques, with 27 out of 34 chapters focused on innovative topics or approaches not covered in the previous version.

The novel areas of study include intersectionality, critical disability research, postcolonial and decolonized knowledge, diffraction and intra-action, and social media methodologies. Other new chapters explore thematic analysis, collaborative inquiry from the borderlands, qualitative inquiry’s relationship with public health science, co-production and the politics of impact, qualitative research publishing, and academic survival.

3. Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation, by Sharan B. Merriam, Elizabeth J. Tisdell

The fourth edition of this bestselling guide provides an in-depth understanding of qualitative research, from conceptualization to presentation. Emphasizing the importance of theoretical frameworks in designing a study, the book offers practical guidance in an accessible, jargon-free style that caters to both new and seasoned researchers.

The latest edition includes expanded coverage of mixed methods, action research, arts-based research, and online data sources. It also presents the newest developments in data analysis, encompassing both software packages and narrative and poetic analysis techniques. In addition, it offers a new section on diverse ways of presenting qualitative research findings, making it an indispensable resource for effective communication of results.

4. Qualitative Research from Start to Finish , by Robert K. Yin

This insightful book offers a comprehensive understanding of the practice of qualitative research. It guides readers through all significant research phases, from startup and design to data collection, analysis, and composition, covering newly emerging trends in the field. The unique aspect of the book is its portrayal of qualitative research as an adaptive craft, offering readers an array of methodological choices to tailor their studies according to different worldviews and genres.

The new edition provides an enhanced discussion on different worldviews, including constructivism, postpositivism, and pragmatism, and how these relate to methodological choices. There is a clearer emphasis on executing a generalized qualitative study while acknowledging the existence of 12 specialized genres, such as action-based research, arts-based research, autoethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology, and others. The book also features expanded discussions of diverse qualitative study samples and mixed methods.

5. Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach, by Joseph A. Maxwell

Joseph A. Maxwell’s third edition of Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach offers a user-friendly, step-by-step guide to planning qualitative research. The book’s main strength is its interactive approach, which highlights the interplay among the various components of research design.

The author provides a strategic framework for creating coherent and viable relationships among these components, emphasizing key design issues. The book’s language is informal and free of heavy jargon, making it accessible to a broad range of readers.

The book is sprinkled with real-world examples and hands-on exercises designed to reinforce the concepts discussed and to provide practical insights into the planning and execution of qualitative research. This comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource for both students and researchers embarking on their qualitative research journey.

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

6. Qualitative Research: Bridging the Conceptual, Theoretical, and Methodological, by Sharon M. Ravitch, Nicole Mittenfelner Carl

The second edition of Qualitative Research emphasizes the harmonization of theoretical, methodological, and conceptual dimensions, providing deeper insights into their interplay in qualitative research. This comprehensive resource equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct rigorous, valid, and respectful qualitative research.

The book serves as an effective learning tool for both newcomers and those already familiar with qualitative research, helping students develop a comprehensive understanding of a research approach that seeks, designs for, and engages in criticality.

The new edition has amplified and relocated the discussion on research ethics to a prominent position, reflecting its importance in students’ inquiry. It offers more insights on reflexivity in data collection and specific methods for qualitative data collection. There is a more detailed chapter on coding and other types of qualitative data analysis. Additionally, the resource sections have been expanded, including links to the comprehensive appendices to further aid students on their qualitative research journey.

7. Qualitative Research , by David Silverman (Editor)

This edition of Qualitative Research serves as a comprehensive guide, providing students with a holistic view of qualitative research. It not only explains the rationale behind such research but also provides practical advice on how to get started, select appropriate methods, conduct research, and perform data analysis. Each chapter, akin to a masterclass from a leading scholar in qualitative research, comes with practical tips, summaries, exercises, and further reading to assist in understanding and application.

The fourth edition has been streamlined to guide readers through the research process in a step-by-step manner. A significant new section with four chapters has been added, focusing on the collection and analysis of online data. A new chapter on reflexive ethnography is also included, offering insights into this nuanced qualitative research method.

8. Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design , by John W. Creswell, Cheryl N. Poth

The revised Fourth Edition of this best-selling text is a comprehensive exploration of the philosophical foundations, historical development, and crucial elements of five qualitative inquiry approaches: narrative research, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study.

The Fourth Edition is enhanced with new content, articles, pedagogical features, and references. It provides a broader discussion on research ethics and serves as an excellent introduction to the theories, strategies, and practices of qualitative inquiry. This book is an ideal resource for those embarking on their qualitative research journey, offering nuanced understanding and practical strategies for choosing among these five significant approaches in qualitative research.

9. Qualitative Research Methods, by Sarah J. Tracy

This comprehensive guide brings together both theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of qualitative research in a way that is engaging and accessible. The book adopts a phronetic-iterative approach, leading readers through every phase of a qualitative research project, from design to data collection and analysis, through to theory development and effective communication of results.

The book provides in-depth coverage of a variety of topics, including qualitative theories, research ethics, sampling techniques, interviewing methods, and ensuring quality in qualitative research. Practical advice on fieldwork is also included, offering clear and concise guidance on how to design and conduct robust research projects.

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

10. Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods, by Michael Quinn Patton

Drawing from over 40 years of applied social science research and program evaluation experience, author Michael Quinn Patton presents the most systematic and comprehensive book on qualitative research and evaluation methods available. In this fourth edition, he offers a more balanced view of applied research and evaluation.

The book shines a light on all facets of qualitative inquiry, using new examples, stories, cartoons, and over a hundred new summarizing and synthesizing exhibits. For the first time, it includes full case studies that illustrate extended research and evaluation examples. Additionally, each chapter contains an in-depth “rumination” about a core issue of persistent debate and controversy, which is intended to be both emphatic and engaging.

12. Qualitative Data Collection Tools, by Felice D. Billups

This unique supplementary text guides students and new researchers to design, develop, and apply qualitative tools to gather qualitative data. This essential aspect of qualitative research, often overlooked in general textbooks, forms the backbone of the data collection process. Felice D. Billups uses her experience as a qualitative researcher and in teaching and advising students about qualitative research to develop the templates in this book as a starting point for those conducting original qualitative research.

The book briefly describes each method of data collection and offers readers suggestions for using and adapting the qualitative instrument templates within the text. The text is filled with templates for interview protocols, focus group moderator guides, content analysis tools, document analysis tools, reflective questionnaires, diary and journal logs, and observational rubrics.

Final thoughts

If you’re new to qualitative, consider this list your foundational toolkit. And for seasoned researchers, may these books provide fresh insights or perhaps remind you of important tenets you may have forgotten. The beauty of qualitative research is its ever-evolving nature, and these books offer lenses through which you can appreciate its many facets.

And don’t just stop at qualitative research. If your work leans into the quantitative side of things, make sure to circle back to my other post on the best books for quantitative research . It’s all about having a well-rounded toolset, right?

Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

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The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research

Patricia Leavy Independent Scholar Kennebunk, ME, USA

A newer edition of this book is available.

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This handbook provides a broad introduction to qualitative research to those with little to no background in the subject while simultaneously providing substantive contributions to the field that will be of interest to even the most experienced researchers. The first two sections explore the history of qualitative research, ethical perspectives, and philosophical/theoretical approaches. The next three sections focus on the major methods of qualitative practice, as well as on newer approaches (such as arts-based research and internet research); area studies often excluded (such as museum studies and disaster studies); and mixed methods and participatory methods (such as community-based research). The next section covers key issues including data analysis, interpretation, writing, and assessment. The final section offers a commentary about politics and research and the move toward public scholarship. The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research is intended for students of all levels, faculty, and researchers across the social sciences.

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Qualitative Research Methods

Monique Hennink - Emory University, USA
Inge Hutter - Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
Ajay Bailey - University of Utrecht, Netherlands
Description

Practical and straightforward, this book is a multidisciplinary introduction to the process of planning, conducting and analysing qualitative research, from selecting appropriate methods to publishing your findings. Built around the authors’ Qualitative Research Cycle – consisting of the design, data collection and analytic cycles – this pragmatic guide clearly demonstrates the steps you need to take to ensure your research is rigorous and robust. Drawing on decades of experience teaching workshops, the book is packed with techniques and tools to help you turn theory and method into research practice. This second edition:

Showcases the importance of linking research design to data analysis, helping you avoid potential pitfalls and get the most out of your data
Highlights the relevance and wide application of qualitative methods with an array of international examples of real field research and interdisciplinary case studies
Gives clear guidance on writing qualitative research, including how to respond to critiques of qualitative methods
Has a renewed focus on evaluating quality in qualitative research, ensuring your work is valid, reflexive and ethical

Offering tried and tested research tools like interview guides that you can apply to your own projects and supported by online resources including checklists and reflective questions, this book is the perfect companion for anyone looking to complete a successful project using qualitative research methods.

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

For assistance with your order: Please email us at [email protected] or connect with your SAGE representative.

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Supplements

This introductory textbook presents a useful framework of three interconnected cycles – the design cycle, the data collection cycle and the analytic cycle – to guide students through the process of conducting qualitative research. Engaging examples illustrate each step from start to completion.

Hennink, Hutter and Bailey provide a highly practical overview of all stages in the qualitative research process, linking clearly the cycles of design, data collection and data analysis. Excellent case studies illustrate qualitative research in practice. The authors’ clarity and coherence throughout the text makes this book a valuable read for all qualitative researchers.

Written from a situated epistemological perspective, this handbook nicely blends theory with method and method with practical examples. A valuable guide for early career researchers in need of clear and simple answers to deal with complex phenomena and common critiques.

It might be valuable for any analysis done douring the class.

I have used it as the main textbook which offers an outstanding understanding of qualitative research with easy to follow and ample examples from the field.

This is essential for degree students who are focusing on a qualitative research project.

Excellent guide for students choosing to undertake qualitative research.

a useful and contemporary guide to qualitative research that will be appropriate to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

It is always good to get an update to a book and this update is welcome ten years after the first edition.

I like to direct student to books that are readable and add value to their own learning, irrespective of their learning style. I think this book will appeal to a wide audience.

For me, take the time to also access the online resources, do not just use the book. Start at the glossary flash cards, a good place to help with some tricky terminology for people new to research.

Use book and online resources to get the most out of this publication

This is a very good resource

A discussion of the theoretical principles as well as practical application of qualitative research is covered through case studies, field examples, and exercises.
International field examples are provided and highlight the application of qualitative research in different cultural contexts.
Research tools, such as interview guides, recruitment scripts, coded data segments, theoretical frameworks, are provided throughout the text.
The chapters on research methods (in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and observation) include photographs of the method in practice to demonstrate specific elements of research practice (e.g. seating of interviewers, interview context, body language).
Exercises are included at the end of each chapter to help the reader practice specific skills such as writing a qualitative research question, conducting a mock focus group discussion, an interview or an observation, transcribing an interview, developing codes from data, and presenting qualitative research.
Annotated further readings are included in each chapter, one list of readings related to methodological concepts and a second list of readings for examples of empirical research.
Each chapter includes a series of questions to assist the reader in evaluating the quality of their research.
Each chapter concludes with a textbox summarizing the key points to reiterate important concepts to the student.

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Find My Rep

Qualitative Research Methods

Monique Hennink - Emory University, USA
Inge Hutter - Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
Ajay Bailey - University of Utrecht, Netherlands
Description

Showcases the importance of linking research design to data analysis, helping you avoid potential pitfalls and get the most out of your data
Highlights the relevance and wide application of qualitative methods with an array of international examples of real field research and interdisciplinary case studies
Gives clear guidance on writing qualitative research, including how to respond to critiques of qualitative methods
Has a renewed focus on evaluating quality in qualitative research, ensuring your work is valid, reflexive and ethical