The fourth edition of this reader-friendly book offers an accessible introduction to conducting qualitative research in education. The text begins with an introduction to the history, context, and traditions of qualitative research, and then walks readers step-by-step through the research process. Lichtman outlines research planning and design, as well as the methodologies, techniques, and strategies to help researchers make the best use of their qualitative investigation. Throughout, chapters touch on important issues that impact this research process such as ethics and subjectivity and making use of technology.
The fourth edition has been thoroughly revised and updated featuring new examples, an increased focus on virtual and digital data collection, and the latest approaches to qualitative research.
Written in a practical, conversational style and full of real-world scenarios drawn from across education, this book is a practical compendium on qualitative research in education ideal for graduate and advanced undergraduate research methods courses and early career researchers alike.
Hear Marilyn discuss what inspired her to write this fourth edition and what readers can expect. In this podcast episode of The Qualitative Report, she discusses the various types of qualitative research and what defines quality and rigor as well as current issues in education and how qualitative research methods can be used to address them. Finally, she shares her thoughts about technology and the future of qualitative research.
PART 1: TRADITIONS, THEORY AND PRACTICE 1. Introduction and Overview of the Field 2. Learning How to Be a Qualitative Researcher 3. Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research 4. Reflexivity and Subjectivity 5. Philosophy, Theory, Theories, and Frameworks PART 2: PLANNING YOUR RESEARCH 6. Identifying Research Areas and Questions 7. Role and Function of a Review of Research 8. Using Social Media, Technology and the Internet 9. Designing Your Research: Part 1 10. Designing Your Research: Part 2 PART 3: COLLECTING, ORGANIZING, AND COMMUNICATING 11. Judging and Evaluating 12. Gathering Data (Interviews, Observations, Documents, Other) 13. Making Meaning From Your Data 14. Communicating and Connecting 15. Thinking About the Future
Biography
Marilyn Lichtman is a retired professor from Virginia Tech where she taught quantitative and qualitative research and statistics for more than 30 years. She serves on the editorial boards of The Qualitative Report, Forum: Qualitative Social Research (FQS), and Qualitative Research in Education (Spain). She is a docent at the Kreeger Museum in Washington, DC, where she sponsors the Lichtman Distinguished Speaker Series.
From the book cover to the way she organizes and writes the chapters, Lichtman invites readers to join her on a journey to learn how qualitative research can address some of education’s most pressing problems. Up-to-date, easy to read, and useful, this book has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf [...] the way Lichtman weaves in personal stories makes one feel like she is right there with you–your personal qualitative research 'guide on the side'.
-Marti Snyder, Professor in the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice; Director of Faculty Professional Development in the Learning and Educational Center at Nova Southeastern University (NSU), as reviewed in TQR
Full book review can be found here
I fully anticipate that future instructors and students will be able to work through this text and finish it with the ability to not only conceptualize and carry out a research study but be able to do so with confidence and a mindset that qualitative inquiry offers us an exciting journey for understanding phenomena which impact us as well as our world. In summary, I have no doubt that students and teachers as well as those who simply want to get some fresh insights into will find this latest edition to be well-worth reading. I know that I continue to draw new insights from it and give it my highest recommendation.
- James A. Bernauer, Robert Morris University, as reviewed in FQS
Full book review can be found here
Lichtman displays a unique understanding of the importance of qualitative research in our examination of 21st-century education. Those of us in the academy should celebrate her books as periodic reminders of that importance. In addition, her Qualitative Research in Education (2023, Fourth Edition) is an excellent how-to text for all who practice qualitative research. This book should be on the shelf of every practitioner, both those new to the field as well as those of us who need a refresher course on why we do this work.
- Henry M. Smith, EdD., Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education.
