"What sets this book apart is its skillful integration of both the scientific and artistic dimensions of qualitative research."
--From the foreword by Michael Quinn Patton, author of Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods, Third Edition
"This is one of the best books I've found for introductory or intermediate qualitative research courses. I have taught this course using this text and the students really raved about it. In particular, the way the text handles issues of data collection, the role of qualitative research, and data analysis are extremely well done. I highly recommend this text as one of the most accessible yet sophisticated books on qualitative research that I've been able to use in my courses. This is an excellent resource that all new qualitative researchers should have on their bookshelf."
--Alison A. Carr-Chellman, Instructional Systems, Penn State University
"This is a clearly written and straightforward introduction to qualitative research. The central themes of the book--that qualitative research is learning and qualitative researchers are learners--move the text beyond the 'how to do it' in ways that can be helpful for 'seasoned' qualitative researchers as well as beginners. Thinking about qualitative research as a process of learning--about social phenomena, about participants, about oneself--is a very powerful pedagogical and methodological approach."
--Elizabeth J. Whitt, College of Education, University of Iowa
The popular text that helped readers better understand and practice qualitative research has been completely updated and revised while retaining the features that made the First Edition so useful.
New to this edition:
- Chapter 3 on the ethics and politics of qualitative research
- Chapter 4 on choosing the locus of interest among the major qualitative research approaches
- Chapter 10 expanded to provide detailed instructions for organizing, coding, interpreting, and analyzing data
To help readers better visualize and grasp the concepts, issues, and complexities of qualitative inquiry, the authors introduce each chapter with discussions among three "characters"--students whose research projects demonstrate the challenges and excitement of qualitative research. Woven into the chapters and the characters' stories are three themes that make up the tapestry of qualitative research: First, research is a learning process. Second, research can and should be useful. Finally, a researcher needs to have a clear vision of the audience and purpose of a study.
Also added to this edition:
- Chapters 8 and 11 present examples of the three student characters' data and analysis
- Concept boxes highlight major themes and issues and summarize important principles
- End-of-chapter study questions and activities
"Through the perspectives of three students learning about qualitative research, Rossman and Rallis provide an introductory overview of the subject in a clear and direct style with some excellent recommendations for planning the study."
--Johnny Saldana, Theatre Department, Arizona State University
