Qualitative Data Analysis: Key Approaches

Find direction in your qualitative research. This book charts a path through nine common methods of analysis, empowering students to make good decisions about which approach is right for their project.

Each chapter covers key debates and developments, explores worked examples with step-by-step guidance, and helps students put their learning into practice with ‘do it yourself’ exercises.

Written by a multi-disciplinary team from Belgium and the Netherlands, this second edition includes:

• Two new chapters, on Positioning Theory and using Generative AI and Large Language Models in qualitative analysis.
• New guidance on research design considerations relevant to each approach.
• Case studies from sociology, health, education and beyond that bring analysis to life.

Building understanding and inspiring creativity, this book is an ideal companion for undergraduate or postgraduate students setting out on their first qualitative research journey.

Peter A. J. Stevens (BA, MA Ghent University; MA, PhD Warwick University) is professor in qualitative research methods at the Department of Sociology, Ghent University. Peter’s research interests cover the areas of sociology of education, race and ethnic relations and qualitative research methodology. His work has been published in leading journals, including the Review of Educational Research, the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies and Sociology of Education. Along with Gary Dworkin, Peter is editor of The Palgrave Handbook of Race and Ethnic Inequalities in Education (2nd edition) (Palgrave, 2019) and author of Ethnicity and Racism in Cyprus. National Pride and Prejudice? (Palgrave, 2016).