Qualitative Research for Education: An Introduction to Theories and Methods

This concise, applied, and very clearly written introduction to qualitative research methods can be used effectively in a semester, or year-long course. The purpose of this introductory-level text is to provide the reader with a background for understanding the uses of qualitative research in education to examine its theoretical and historical underpinnings, and to provide the “how-to's” of doing qualitative research. This new edition places qualitative research within current debates about research methods and alternative ways of knowing. While the authors approach the subject from a sociological perspective, they also take care to reflect the many changes in conceptualization of qualitative research brought by post-structural and feminist thought.

This concise, applied, and very clearly written introduction to qualitative research methods can be used effectively in a semester, or year-long course.

This introductory-level text provides the reader with a background for understanding the uses of qualitative research in education (and other professions) examining its theoretical and historical underpinnings, and providing the “how-to's” of doing qualitative research. This new edition places qualitative research within current debates about research methods and alternative ways of knowing. While the authors approach the subject from a sociological perspective, they also take care to reflect the many changes in conceptualization of qualitative research brought by post-structural and feminist thought.

New to This Edition:

·         Rewritten Chapter 5, “Data Analysis,” places more emphasis on the interpretive aspect of research and research writing.

·         Expanded coverage of action or practitioner research (Chapter 7) highlights a topic that is of immediate use.

·         Added emphasis on technology and qualitative analysis software in qualitative research helps students to use and incorporate technology efficiently. Links to useful research websites have also been integrated throughout.

·         Expanded coverage of such topics as formal research designs, work with different cultures, critical race theory, and the debate over quantitative vs. qualitative research.

·         New end-of-chapter summaries, questions, and field assignments have been added to make this text easy to use with students.