Synopses & Reviews
Praise for the Third Edition of
Qualitative Research:
"Sharan B. Merriam synthesizes twenty years of developments in qualitative research with clarity and acumen."
?Michael Quinn Patton, author, Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods
"Here is a qualitative research methods book that reinforces the connection between professional experience and qualitative inquiry."
?Robert Stake, author, The Art of Case Study Research and Multiple Case Study Analysis
"In this new edition, Sharan Merriam once again presents the world of qualitative research in language engaging and accessible?for new and experienced readers alike. If you can have only one book about qualitative research, this is it!"
?Patricia M. Reeves, associate professor, School of Social Work, University of Georgia
"Mystified by qualitative research? You couldn't ask for a better guide than Sharan Merriam, who introduces you to the fundamental concepts of this research method, explains its complex forms, and then shows you exactly how to do a high-quality qualitative study."
?M. Carolyn Clark, coeditor, The International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education
Synopsis
'This thoroughly revised and updated classic once again presents a guide to understanding, designing and conducting a qualitative research (QR) study.
The third edition retains the reader-friendly, jargon-free style, making the book accessible to both novice and experienced researchers. While the book is practical guide to design and implementation of a QR study, it also helps readers understand the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of this research paradigm.
Drawing on the latest literature as well as the author\'s own experience with conducting and teaching QR, the third edition includes new material on types of qualitative research; on the role of a theoretical framework in designing a study; on validity and reliability; and also includes an addendum for graduate students which provides a template for the methods chapter of a thesis, dissertation, or grant application. '
Synopsis
Praise for the Third Edition of Qualitative Research
"Sharan B. Merriam synthesizes twenty years of developments in qualitative research with clarity and acumen."-Michael Quinn Patton, author, Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods?"Here is a qualitative research methods book that reinforces the connection between professional experience and qualitative inquiry."-Robert Stake, author, The Art of Case Study Research and Multiple Case Study Analysis
"In this new edition, Sharan Merriam once again presents the world of qualitative research in language engaging and accessible?for new and experienced readers alike. If you can have only one book about qualitative research, this is it!"-Patricia M. Reeves, associate professor, School of Social Work, University of Georgia
?"Mystified by qualitative research? You couldn't ask for a better guide than Sharan Merriam, who introduces you to the fundamental concepts of this research method, explains its complex forms, and then shows you exactly how to do a high-quality qualitative study."-M. Carolyn Clark, coeditor, The International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education
About the Author
Sharan B. Merriam is professor of adult education at the University of Georgia. She is the author, coauthor, or editor of numerous books, including Learning in Adulthood, The Profession and Practice of Adult Education, and Third Update on Adult Learning Theory (New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education).
Table of Contents
Preface viiThe Author xv
PART ONE: THE DESIGN OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH 1
1 What is Qualitative Research? 3
2 Types of Qualitative Research 21
3 Qualitative Case Study Research 39
4 Designing Your Study and Selecting a Sample 55
PART TWO: COLLECTING QUALITATIVE DATA 85
5 Conducting Effective Interviews 87
6 Being a Careful Observer 117
7 Mining Data from Documents 139
PART THREE: ANALYZING AND REPORTING QUALITATIVE DATA 165
8 Qualitative Data Analysis 169
9 Dealing with Validity, Reliability, and Ethics 209
10 Writing Qualitative Research Reports 237
Appendix: The Methodology Section of a Qualitative Research Study 265
References 271
Name Index 287
Subject Index 293