Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook

Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook

by David Silverman (Author), Amir Marvasti (Author), David Silverman (Author), Amir Marvasti (Author)

Synopsis

Written in a lively, accessible style, this step-by-step guide provides answers to all the questions students ask when beginning their first research project. David Silverman demonstrates how to learn the craft of qualitative research by applying knowledge about different methodologies to actual data. He provides practical advice on key issues, such as: defining `originality' and narrowing down a topic; keeping a research diary and writing a research report; and presenting research to different audiences.

Packed with case studies and examples of students' experiences, the book has many features to aid study, including overviews, summaries of key skills and a glossary of terms. Each stage in the research process is grounded in worked examples, with exercises designed both to test students' knowledge and to encourage the development of practical skills.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 336
Edition: First
Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd
Published: 03 Nov 1999

ISBN 10: 0761958231
ISBN 13: 9780761958239

Media Reviews
`Written by one the leading international figures in qualitative research, this book is an exceedingly thoughtful, practical and comprehensive presentation of the world of qualtiative research and how it is done. It speaks to all levels of users, from the beginning research student, to the seasoned scholar, to the PhD student who is writing and defending the qualtiative dissertation' - Norman K Denzin, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

`Written by a leading figure in the field, this easily accessible book leads students and researchers to the secrets of the art and craft of qualitative research. Through discussions, research examples and exercises it shows readers step by step not only how to do qualitative research but how to do it well' - Pertti Alasuutari, University of Tampere

`I am very impressed with this book. David Silverman delivers a clear, no-nonsense guide to some of the most difficult problems of undertaking research. The book deals with all the issues of putting together, executing and submitting research, for higher degrees and for publication. This is done within the context of important methodological issues and gives students the ability to make informed decisions and the tools with which to defend the decisions that they have taken. If you intend to do or supervise research, buy this book!' - Dr Will Hughes, Dept of Construction Management, University of Reading

`I would have no hesitation at all in enthusiastically recommending the book for the mass of thoughtful advice it contains' - Leisure Studies Association Newsletter

`A gem of a book! This is the perfect primer for novice qualitative researchers. It expertly covers the nuts and bolts issues so often neglected in other texts without ignoring the role of theoretical imagination. I plan to recommend it to all my students' - Jay Gubrium, University of Florida

Author Bio
David Silverman is Visiting Professor in the Business School, University of Technology, Sydney, Emeritus Professor in the Sociology Department, Goldsmiths' College and Adjunct Professor in the School of Education, Queensland University of Technology. He has lived in London for most of his life, where he attended Christ's College Finchley and did a BSc (Economics) at the London School of Economics in the 1960s. Afterwards, he went to the USA for graduate work, obtaining an MA in the Sociology Department, University of California, Los Angeles. He returned to LSE to write a PhD on organization theory. This was published as The Theory of Organizations in 1970. Apart from brief spells teaching at UCLA, his main teaching career was at Goldsmiths College. His three major research projects were on decision making in the Personnel Department of the Greater London Council (Organizational Work, written with Jill Jones, 1975), paediatric outpatient clinics (Communication and Medical Practice, 1987) and HIV-test counselling (Discourses of Counselling, 1997). He pioneered a taught MA in Qualitative Research at Goldsmiths in 1985 and supervised around 30 successful PhD students. Since becoming Emeritus Professor in 1999, he has continued publishing methodology books. David regularly runs qualitative research workshops for five universities in Sydney and Brisbane. He has also run workshops for research students in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, France, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Since 2000, he has done voluntary work with people with dementia. resident in an old people's home Besides all this, David's other interests include classical music, literary fiction, bridge, county cricket and spending time with his grandchildren.