Researching Interpersonal Relationships: Qualitative Methods, Studies, and Analysis

This accessible book explores and demonstrates methodological tools used to guide qualitative relationships research, especially studies of interpersonal communication. Researching Interpersonal Relationships introduces both classic and cutting-edge methodological approaches for qualitative inquiry and analysis, including opening chapters with accessible overviews of interpretive theory and research design. Additional chapters feature a detailed overview of a specific method and analytical tool and are illustrated by original research studies from leading scholars in the field, each in a different interpersonal communication context. Post-study interviews with the researchers are also provided to allow new and experienced researchers a better understanding of how qualitative research approaches can expand and solidify understandings of personal relationships. This groundbreaking book is the first of its kind written especially for relationships researchers on qualitative research, and it makes a welcome addition to advanced undergraduate and graduate student classrooms as well as any serious qualitative relationships researcher′s bookshelf.

Jimmie Manning (PhD, University of Kansas) is an associate professor of communication at Northern Illinois University. His research program focuses on meaning-making in relationships and has been supported by a number of funding agencies including the National Science Foundation and Learn & Serve America. He has generated over 50 publications including the co-edited Case Studies of Communication About Sex and journal articles in outlets such as Communication Monographs and Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. That research has won numerous awards, including the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Early Professional Leadership Award and ten different top-paper designations from professional academic organizations. He teaches classes exploring relational communication, qualitative research methods, social media, communication theory, and cultural studies, and has received the National Communication Association Outstanding Mentor in Master’s Education Award and the Central States Communication Association’s Outstanding New Teacher Award, among other teaching honors. He currently edits the journal Sexuality & Communication.

Adrianne Kunkel (PhD, Purdue University) is an associate professor at the University of Kansas. Her research program focuses on personal relationships, sex/gender similarities and differences, and domestic violence intervention. She has received grants to study how people cope with distressing events through narrative, how participation in support groups affects breast cancer survivors, and how domestic violence survivors and their advocates pursue freedom from abuse. She has published over 40 book chapters and articles in outlets such as Human Communication Research, Communication Monographs, Journal of Applied Communication Research, and the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. She teaches courses in interpersonal communication, gender, research methods, and social support. She has also received numerous teaching awards, some of which include the Silver Anniversary Award for Excellence in Teaching and the John C. Wright Mentor Award at the University of Kansas. She has also been awarded the Central States Communication Association’s Outstanding New Teacher Award.