Read Me First for a User's Guide to Qualitative Methods

"A useful and accessible framework for understanding the decision-making process that underlies the 'making' of data. The text offers explanations of how and why choices can be made in accordance with fundamental notions of methodological purposiveness and methodological congruence. A particular value of this text is its highlighting of decisions that underlie one's use of computer applications in the organization and analysis of research data. The text also provides useful distinctions among phenomenological, ethnographic, and grounded theory approaches to fieldwork." Tom Schram, Education, University of New Hampshire Offering a map to show readers how some methodological choices lead more directly than others to particular goals, this book provides beginning researchers with an overview of techniques for making data, and an explanation of the ways different tools fit different purposes and provide different research experiences and outcomes. The authors clearly explain why there are many methods and show readers how to locate their study within that choice. Written to be a pragmatic companion, this text will help readers get confidently and competently started on a research path that will work for their study. Features/Benefits: Tutorials: Provide readers with the opportunity to practice tasks to do with the data provided in the Appendices or with the readera?s own data. The tutorials can be performed in conjunction with the data provided on the CD. Software Demo CD: Provides an opportunity to try some of the tools available in modern software by using QSRa?s NVivo product with the data from two real projects, Barbara Lloyda?s "Body Images" study based on focus groups and semi-structured interviews with school students, and Paul Thompsona?s "100 Families" life history study. Suggested Reading Resources: Grouped by category, these end of chapter resources offer researchers an excellent guide for further information on specific qualitative approaches, writing, design, etc.Morse, Janice M. is the author of 'Read Me First for a User's Guide to Qualitative Methods', published 2002 under ISBN 9780761918912 and ISBN 0761918914.