Review
"This is the first book I have read that gives students a good grounding in the history of sociology as well as 'how to' instructions. I know my students will respond well to this book, and the examples will inspire them to take on the challenge of qualitative research themselves. . . . It is among the best such texts I have read in the last few years."--Margaret Walsh,
Keene State College"The strength of this book is the sophisticated and nuanced insight into the qualitative research process, particularly fieldwork. Moreover, it offers students a wide-ranging, current, and engaging discussion of the world of qualitative research. The examples chosen are appropriate and fascinating and the bibliography is excellent and comprehensive."--Deborah Little,
Adelphi University"Bravo! This is a hands-on and practical guide to qualitative methods and research that many students, and even seasoned researchers, will find useful. The authors strike a nice balance between discussing the issues surrounding qualitative methods and providing helpful, practical advice. The authors are to be commended for presenting qualitative methods as serious and rigorous methodologies in their own right. It is clear that they hold a deep passion for qualitative research, and are excellent advocates of qualitative methods."--Carrie Lee Smith,
Millersville University
Book Description
This is a book for the qualitative methods course taught out of sociology. It is aimed at students who are new to the field, and is suitable for both undergraduates and graduates. The authors first provide a brief history of the origins, theoretical underpinnings, and importance of qualitative research methods; next, they address the specifics of field research and interviews. This book can serve as a main text in a qualitative methods course, as a supplementary text for a general methods course, or as a guide for senior seminar and thesis students working on qualitative research.
