Skip to Content

Qualitative Research

The essential guide to theory and practice

By Maggi Savin-Baden, Claire Howell Major

Published December 19th 2012 by Routledge – 608 pages

Purchasing Options:

  • Pack - Book & Online: 978-0-415-67478-2: $53.95 Add to Cart

Description

Qualitative Research: The Essential Guide to Theory and Practice provides a one-stop resource for all those approaching qualitative research for the first time, as well as those revisiting core concepts and issues. It presents a comprehensive overview of this rapidly developing field of inquiry, cleverly combined with practical, hands-on advice on how to conduct a successful qualitative study.

Written in an engaging and accessible style, the authors break through difficult terminology to guide readers through the choices they will face during research design, implementation, and beyond. Each chapter is then brought to life by an array of relevant, real-life examples from expert researchers around the globe.

Divided into seven sections, this unique text covers:

  • Considering perspectives
  • Acknowledging a position
  • Framing the study
  • Choosing a research approach
  • Collecting data
  • Working with data and findings
  • Writing about the research

This book also includes 12-month access to the Interactive eTextbook, which offers:

  • Author videos introducing the book and the Qualitative Wheel of Research Choices
  • An Interactive version of the Qualitative Wheel of Research Choices
  • Exclusive chapters on writing and publishing qualitative research
  • Links to relevant journals, conferences and online resources
  • Additional case study abstracts
  • The ability to highlight, annotate, cut and paste, and share your notes across the classroom

From the foundations of the subject through to its application in practice, Qualitative Research: The Essential Guide to Theory and Practice is an indispensable companion for qualitative researchers worldwide.

VAT will be charged on this product for UK customers only. VAT is charged at standard rate on a part of this product only.

Contents

Part 1: Considering perspectives 1. Qualitative research 2. A brief history of philosophical perspectives 3. Research choices and lenses Part 2: Acknowledging a position 4. Philosophical stance 5. Personal stance, positionality and reflexivity Part 3: Framing the study 6. The ‘who’ or ‘what’ of study 7. Research questions 8. Literature review 9. Theoretical and conceptual frameworks Part 4: Choosing a research approach 10. Case study 11. Pragmatic qualitative research 12. Grounded theory 13. Ethnography 14. Phenomenology 15. Narrative approaches 16. Action research 17. Collaborative approaches 18. Evaluation 19. Art-based approaches Part 5: Collecting data 20. Time, place and participants 21. Ethics and ethical approval 22. Fieldwork 23. Interviews 24. Focus groups 25. Observation 26. Documents Part 6: Working with data and findings 27. Data handling and coding 28. Data analysis 29. Data Interpretation 30. Quality Part 7: Writing about the research 31. Researcher voice 32. The research report

Author Bio

Maggi Savin-Baden is Professor of Higher Education Research at Coventry University, UK.

Claire Howell Major is Professor of Higher Education at the University of Alabama, US.

Video Clips

Exclusive extract from the author videos

Find out why authors Maggi Savin-Baden and Claire Howell Major decided to write Qualitative Research: The Essential Guide to Theory and Practice.

FAQ's

Q: How do I access the Interactive eTextbook?

A: Once you have received a copy of the book you will need to scratch off a panel inside the front cover which will reveal a code to activate online. Full instructions will be detailed along with the code.

Q: How does the Interactive eTextbook work alongside the paperback?

A: Throughout the paperback you will see icons in the margin where further multimedia resources are available via your Interactive eTextbook.

Q: Does the Interactive eTextbook have the same content as the paperback?

A: Yes, plus additional content and features. Your eTextbook offers note sharing and highlighting functionality, and exclusive interactive content, including:

  • Video introductions to the book and author team
  • Exclusive chapters on writing and publishing qualitative research
  • A fully interactive ‘Wheel of Research Choices’, complete with video and audio resources, guiding you through the decisions involved in choosing your own approach to qualitative research.
  • Additional case study abstracts
  • Informative links to relevant journals, conferences, and online resources
Q: Are there additional resources available for instructors?

A: There are additional resources available exclusively for instructors who adopt this text. The instructor content will be accessible (via a password) from the instructor tab of Routledgeinteractive.com

Resources include a complete set of PowerPoint slides to accompany each chapter, and comprehensive lesson plans which put forward ideas for: 

  • Lectures
  • Class activities
  • Discussions
  • Homework
  • Group Activities
  • Class Assessments
Q: What functionality does the Interactive eTextbook offer compared to a PDF e-book?
A: Your eTextbook offers annotation, note sharing, copy and pasting, and highlighting functionality, as well as exclusive interactive content.
 
Q: Will I need to download anything to view my Interactive e-textbook?
A: Yes, you will be required to download the free VitalSource Bookshelf reader app. Full instructions will be provided.
Q: What platforms can I use the Interactive e-textbook on?
A: BookShelf will provide access to your eTextbook either online or as a download via your PC, Mac (OS X 10.6>), iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch (iOS 3.2>), Android app or Amazon Kindle Fire. Any notes you make on your Interactive eTextbook will synchronise across your different devices, creating a personalised version that you can access wherever and whenever you need it.
Q: Can content be viewed offline?
A: Yes, almost all content be viewed offline once you have downloaded the book to your chosen device(s). Some video content will require an internet connection.
Q: How long can I access the eTextbook?
A: Access will start from the day you activate the code. You will then have 12 months to explore and utilise your eTextbook.
Q: Can I purchase the Interactive eTextbook separately?

A: The Interactive eTextbook is exclusively available alongside the paperback and cannot be purchased separately.

Q: Having requested and received my complimentary exam copy, what do I need to do if I wish to adopt this title onto my course?

A: Please contact your local sales rep.

Q: What level of support will be received if I adopt or purchase this book?

A: Full technical support will be provided by VitalSource.

Q: Will there be any additional charges?

A: No, the price including VAT is £29.99. VAT will be charged on this product for UK customers only. VAT is charged at standard rate on a part of this product only.

Name: Qualitative Research: The essential guide to theory and practice (Pack - Book & Online)Routledge 
Description: By Maggi Savin-Baden, Claire Howell Major. Qualitative Research: The Essential Guide to Theory and Practice provides a one-stop resource for all those approaching qualitative research for the first time, as well as those revisiting core concepts and issues. It presents a comprehensive overview of...
Categories: Research Methods in Education, Research Methods - Soc. Policy