Qualitative Research in Practice: Examples for Discussion and Analysis

A practical introduction to qualitative research across fields and disciplines

Qualitative Research in Practice offers a hands-on introduction to qualitative research design, methods, data, and analysis. Designed as a companion text for any course involving qualitative research, this book explores the different types of qualitative studies with relevant examples and analysis by the researchers themselves. The workbook format makes it easy to use in the classroom or the field, and the depth of information makes it a valuable resource for students of social work, psychology, counseling, management, education, health care, or any field in which qualitative research is conducted.

While quantitative research is primarily concerned with numerical data, qualitative research methods are more flexible, responsive, and open to contextual information. To a qualitative researcher, a situation is defined by the participants’ perspectives, making it the primary method of inquiry for understanding social phenomena through the lens of experience. This book introduces the essentials of qualitative research, bolstered by expert analysis and discussion that provides deeper insight than a traditional textbook format would allow. 

• Understand the fundamental nature of qualitative research
• Learn how to accurately assess and evaluate qualitative research
• Explore qualitative research’s many forms and applications
• Gain insight on qualitative research in a variety of fields and disciplines

How does one codify an experience? Is it possible to measure emotion in units? Qualitative research fills the void where numbers cannot reach. It is the best tool we have for studying the unquantifiable aspects of the human experience, and it is an essential tool in a wide variety of fields. Qualitative Research in Practice provides translatable skills in a practical format to quicken your transition from “learning” to “using.”

SHARAN B. MERRIAM is a professor emerita of adult and continuing education and qualitative research at the University of Georgia, in Athens. She is the author, coauthor, or editor of more than thirty books, including Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation, co-authored with Elizabeth Tisdell.

ROBIN S. GRENIER is an associate professor of adult learning at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. She has taught qualitative research courses at the graduate level for over 14 years, along with researching and consulting on qualitative inquiry in education and human resource development.