Advanced Qualitative Research: A Guide to Using Theory

This distinctive, nuanced book addresses the more complex theoretical issues embedded in the qualitative research paradigm. Adopting a reflective stance that emphasises the role of the researcher it carefully avoids a standardised ‘tick box’ approach to methods.

Throughout each chapter, theory is powerfully and persuasively interwoven as its impact on practical topics such as data management and safety in the field is discussed. O′Reilly and Kiyimba bring an authority and clarity to the debate, taking us beyond the mechanical notions of qualitative methods and standardised approaches to research. Instead, they focus on subjects like methodological integrity, perspective driven data collection and theoretically-led analysis.

This will be an important resource for anyone looking to practically engage with advanced qualitative research methods.

Michelle O’Reilly (BSc [hons], MSc, MA, PhD, PGCAPHE) is an Associate Professor of Communication in Mental Health at the University of Leicester and a Research Consultant for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. Michelle is also a Chartered Psychologist in Health. Michelle has specific interest in child and adolescent mental health and has been investigating the relationship between mental health and social media as part of that work. Michelle has made several media contributions about the research with adolescents, educationalists, and parents, as funded by the Wellcome Trust. Additional to her research interests in mental health and social media, Michelle also undertakes research in self-harm and suicidal behaviour, neurodevelopmental conditions, and child mental health services, such as mental health assessments and family therapy. Michelle recently won the Anselm Strauss Award for Qualitative Family Research for her co-authored contribution on discursive psychology in this area. Michelle has expertise in qualitative methodologies and specialises in discursive psychology and conversation analysis.

Dr Nikki Kiyimba is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the Msc in Therapeutic Practice for Psychological Trauma at Chester University UK, and also works as a Chartered Clinical Psychologist for Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust. Clinically, Nikki works with a range of clients presenting with severe and enduring psychological difficulties. Nikki’s research interests are mainly in the areas of qualitative methods and therapeutic approaches. She is also interested in the impact of trauma and vicarious trauma. Grounded in a social constructionist epistemological perspective, she has a particular interest in qualitative research, and her analytic specialism is in using discursive approaches. Nikki has also recently co-authored the book ‘Doing Mental Health Research with Children and Adolescents: A Guide to Qualitative Methods’ (Sage).