Qualitative Methodology: A Practical Guide - Softcover

Mills, Jane; Birks, Melanie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1446248984 ISBN 13: 9781446248980

Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2014

Synopsis

Fresh, insightful and clear, this exciting textbook provides an engaging introduction to the application of qualitative methodology in the real world.  

Expert researchers then trace the history and philosophical underpinnings of different methodologies, explore the specific demands each places upon the researcher and robustly set out relevant issues surrounding quality and rigor.   Featured methodologies include action research, discourse analysis, ethnography, grounded theory, case studies and narrative inquiry.  

This practical book provides a helpful guide to the research process - it introduces the relevant methods of generating, collecting and analysing data for each discrete methodology and then looks at best practice for presenting findings. This enables new researchers to compare qualitative methods and to confidently select the approach most appropriate for their own research projects.  

Key features include:

• Summary table for each chapter - allowing quick checks to test knowledge
• ′Window into′ sections - real world examples showing each methodology in action
• Student activities
• Learning objectives
• Full glossary
• Annotated suggestions for further reading
• Links to downloadable SAGE articles
• Links to relevant websites and organizations

This is an invaluable resource for students and researchers across the social sciences and a must-have guide for those embarking on a research project.

About this title

About the Authors

Jane Mills is Associate Professor, Director Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research and Deputy Dean of the Graduate Research School at James Cook University, Cairns Campus, Australia. In this role Jane works closely with students and academic staff to build research and research education with the intent of creating a brighter future for life in the tropics world-wide through graduates and discoveries that make a difference.  Jane’s research in in the areas of  primary health care, health workforce development, health systems strengthening, and teaching and learning uses both grounded theory and mixed methods. Jane has published extensively in the area of qualitative methodology with her work on grounded theory particularly well received. She has been writing with Melanie for nearly 10 years and together they have produced a number of important peer-reviewed articles and books that have guided students in their own work.  Visit Jane Mills’ website at http://research.jcu.edu.au/portfolio/jane.mills/.

Melanie Birks is an Honorary Professor of Nursing at James Cook University and a leading voice in contemporary health professional education. She is deeply committed to conducting high quality, practice relevant research that enhances professional standards across a broad range of disciplines. Melanie’s scholarly work focuses on improving accessibility, innovation, and relevance in education, with a particular emphasis on preparing graduates who are industry ready and equipped to contribute meaningfully to their professions.

With a prolific publication record spanning more than 120 peer reviewed journal articles, numerous book chapters, and 10 widely used textbooks, Melanie is recognised internationally for her influential research and scholarship. In collaboration with Professor Jane Mills, she has developed a comprehensive suite of grounded theory resources, accessible at https://groundedtheory.academy/, including the highly successful online grounded theory course (https://groundedtheory.academy/course). The work of Birks and Mills has become an invaluable and acclaimed resource for researchers across disciplines seeking to engage with grounded theory methodology.

 

From the Back Cover

Helping students to easily compare and select qualitative methods, this new introduction from expert authors is a practical guide to the research process

Edition details

• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1446248984
• ISBN 13: 9781446248980
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288