Introducing Qualitative Methods series - Böcker

This is the definitive guide to doing constructivist grounded theory.

From gathering rich data and conducting interviews, to undertaking coding and writing up your study, this down-to-earth book guides you through all the steps you need to do grounded theory research.

This revised third edition:

Showcases 9 new case studies of grounded theory research in action from scholars across the globe, including Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States.Enables you to see, at a glance, how each chapter will develop your understanding with new learning objectives.Supports you to expand your knowledge with new further reading suggestions in every chapter.

Retaining Kathy Charmaz’s characteristic warm and accessible style, this book is essential reading for anyone - undergraduate, postgraduate or researcher - looking to understand and do grounded theory research. 

Narratives in Social Science Research introduces students to the use of narrative methodology as a research tool. It offers a rigorous framework for the application of these devices within qualitative research. The book provides: An historical overview of the development of the narrative approach within the social sciences A guide to how narrative methods can be applied in fieldwork An explanation of how to incorporate a narrative approach within a research project Guidelines for interpreting collected or produced narratives A student-focused approach - key arguments and methods are illustrated by case-studies and lists of further reading. Written in an accessible and engaging manner, this detailed text will be a useful resource for researchers and students taking courses in qualitative research across a variety of social disciplines.

Narratives in Social Science Research introduces students to the use of narrative methodology as a research tool. It offers a rigorous framework for the application of these devices within qualitative research. The book provides: An historical overview of the development of the narrative approach within the social sciences A guide to how narrative methods can be applied in fieldwork An explanation of how to incorporate a narrative approach within a research project Guidelines for interpreting collected or produced narratives A student-focused approach - key arguments and methods are illustrated by case-studies and lists of further reading. Written in an accessible and engaging manner, this detailed text will be a useful resource for researchers and students taking courses in qualitative research across a variety of social disciplines.

Qualitative Research in Sociology offers a hands-on guide to doing qualitative research in sociology. It provides an introductory survey of the methodological and theoretical dimensions of qualitative research as practiced by those interested in the study of social life. Through a detailed yet concise explanation, the reader is shown how these methods work and how their outcomes may be interpreted. Practically focused throughout, the book also offers constructive advice for students analyzing and writing their research projects. The book has a flowing narrative and student-friendly structure which makes it accessible to and popular with students. It will be an invaluable resource for students and researchers, helping them to undertake effective qualitative research in both sociology and courses in social research across the social sciences.

Qualitative Research in Sociology offers a hands-on guide to doing qualitative research in sociology. It provides an introductory survey of the methodological and theoretical dimensions of qualitative research as practiced by those interested in the study of social life. Through a detailed yet concise explanation, the reader is shown how these methods work and how their outcomes may be interpreted. Practically focused throughout, the book also offers constructive advice for students analyzing and writing their research projects. The book has a flowing narrative and student-friendly structure which makes it accessible to and popular with students. It will be an invaluable resource for students and researchers, helping them to undertake effective qualitative research in both sociology and courses in social research across the social sciences.

This textbook is designed to help students and practicing researchers to improve the quality of their research. Practical examples and exercises demonstrate how to evaluate qualitative research, how to plan and collect good quality data, how to do thoughtful analysis, and how to write and report on qualitative research. "Apart from its inherent readability, I found three other attractive features about the book: First is the use of exemplars based on case studies from qualitative studies, including Whyte's Street Corner Society; second, is the quotes from key methodological texts reflecting on a range of qualitative research traditions; and third, is the use of philosophical argument and reference in the book which provided an added depth to the debate, often lacking in more practically oriented books. These deliberations take readers to a higher plane, whilst still allowing the novice to philosophy to gain an insight into theory." —Forum for Qualitative Research "Seale steers a dispassionate course - both pragmatic and thoughtful - through the sometimes stormy waters of qualitative analysis. Anyone wanting an up-to-date picture of qualitative analysis will benefit from this book. It is truly a quality contribution to the field." —Nigel Fielding, University of Surrey "Clearly and engagingly written, this book covers crucially important issues such as the generalisability of findings, the grounding of theory and the validity and reliability of research reports. With frequent summaries of key points, criteria for evaluating research reports and discussions exercises, this is an extremely useful text for students and professionals alike." —Derek Layder, University of Leicester "This is a brilliant, carefully crafted, even-handed, comprehensive analysis of the multiple ways in which quality is assessed in contemporary qualitative inquiry. Clive Seale provides a balanced, subtly nuanced treatment of this key problem." —Norman Denzin, University of Illinois, Urbana-Chanpaign "The coverage is impressive and the depth of scholarship impeccable. Both students and seasoned investigators will find the author's pragmatic approach refreshing and helpful. It will appeal to the naturalistic researcher as well as to empirically-oriented scholars smitten by postmodern questions. I would definitely recommend it to my students. A splendid leading text for classroom adoption." —Jaber F Gubrium, University of Florida "Clive Seale has performed an important service for social science researchers by finding a sane middle ground between the twin fanaticisms of radical interpretivism and quantiative scientism. His book is practical, telling people who want to get research done how to do that in an effective and reasonable way. His explanations are clear and concise, his examples well chosen, and the practices he recommends are doable. You can learn a lot about how to approach research from this book." — Howard S Becker, University of California, Santa Barbara "For the undergraduate, or postgraduate looking for a comfortable drive through an increasingly unmanageable literature, this book provides an outstanding introduction." —Qualitative Research

This textbook is designed to help students and practicing researchers to improve the quality of their research. Practical examples and exercises demonstrate how to evaluate qualitative research, how to plan and collect good quality data, how to do thoughtful analysis, and how to write and report on qualitative research. "Apart from its inherent readability, I found three other attractive features about the book: First is the use of exemplars based on case studies from qualitative studies, including Whyte's Street Corner Society; second, is the quotes from key methodological texts reflecting on a range of qualitative research traditions; and third, is the use of philosophical argument and reference in the book which provided an added depth to the debate, often lacking in more practically oriented books. These deliberations take readers to a higher plane, whilst still allowing the novice to philosophy to gain an insight into theory." —Forum for Qualitative Research "Seale steers a dispassionate course - both pragmatic and thoughtful - through the sometimes stormy waters of qualitative analysis. Anyone wanting an up-to-date picture of qualitative analysis will benefit from this book. It is truly a quality contribution to the field." —Nigel Fielding, University of Surrey "Clearly and engagingly written, this book covers crucially important issues such as the generalisability of findings, the grounding of theory and the validity and reliability of research reports. With frequent summaries of key points, criteria for evaluating research reports and discussions exercises, this is an extremely useful text for students and professionals alike." —Derek Layder, University of Leicester "This is a brilliant, carefully crafted, even-handed, comprehensive analysis of the multiple ways in which quality is assessed in contemporary qualitative inquiry. Clive Seale provides a balanced, subtly nuanced treatment of this key problem." —Norman Denzin, University of Illinois, Urbana-Chanpaign "The coverage is impressive and the depth of scholarship impeccable. Both students and seasoned investigators will find the author's pragmatic approach refreshing and helpful. It will appeal to the naturalistic researcher as well as to empirically-oriented scholars smitten by postmodern questions. I would definitely recommend it to my students. A splendid leading text for classroom adoption." —Jaber F Gubrium, University of Florida "Clive Seale has performed an important service for social science researchers by finding a sane middle ground between the twin fanaticisms of radical interpretivism and quantiative scientism. His book is practical, telling people who want to get research done how to do that in an effective and reasonable way. His explanations are clear and concise, his examples well chosen, and the practices he recommends are doable. You can learn a lot about how to approach research from this book." — Howard S Becker, University of California, Santa Barbara "For the undergraduate, or postgraduate looking for a comfortable drive through an increasingly unmanageable literature, this book provides an outstanding introduction." —Qualitative Research

`This is a very fine introduction to the tradition and practice of categorisation analysis, a method for analysing language derived from the work of Harvey Sacks. Georgia Lepper conveys with great effectiveness and simplicity the basic principles of this method, and enables the reader to apply it in practice. Through a series of practical exercises and worked examples, the reader is taken through the necessary steps to achieve full independence in practice of this important analytic method. A great deal of practical wisdom and experience has gone into this book, and it will undoubtedly be of great assistance to students and researchers seeking to apply this still innovative approach to qualitative data analysis' - Clive Seale, Goldsmiths College, University of London

`A stunning introduction to categorization analysis! Georgia Lepper is a master teacher and her book a major achievement. Sensibly organized, amply illustrated, and deftly instructive, this remarkably clear text is a pedagogical milestone in the area' - Jaber F Gubrium, University of Florida

This is the first practical book on how to apply Harvey Sacks' `membership categorization analysis' technique, an increasingly influential method for conversation analysis. Categorization analysis is a method for the study of situated social action and offers a complementary method to the traditional sequential analysis used in the study of naturally occurring talk and text.

The author provides an understanding of the concepts through an analysis of data samples and a series of exercises. Later chapters discuss the application to a variety of disciplines. Examples used to illustrate the approach include, talk, text and images, narratives, stories and organizational settings.

The practice of research is further elucidated in the use of an extended case study and the topics of reliability, validity and ethics are also covered.

Additional features include suggested further readings at the end of each chapter and a glossary of terms.

The book will be invaluable to students and beginning researchers in the disciplines of linguistics, sociology and anthropology, and other main users of conversational and narrative analysis methods, in cultural studies, ethnography, organization studies, discursive psychology and psychotherapy, who are seeking empirical methods for the study of the phenomena of everyday interaction.

This book can be used as a companion volume to Doing Conversation Analysis: A Practical Guide also published in the Introducing Qualitative Methods series.

Looking for a practical introduction to the strategies and methods of qualitative evaluation? Ian Shaw shows how evaluation practice can utilize qualitative approaches to gain an understanding that more traditional quantitative approaches may fail to do.

Three broad sections include discussions of: the foundations of evaluation and recent trends; evaluation and action programmes; and the practice of evaluation (including design, data collection and analysis). Exercises for each chapter show students how to apply the issues, approaches and methods illustrated.

`As a companion to Foucault's original texts, carefully showing what he's done and why - and how that could be applied elsewhere - it's outstanding' - www.theory.org.uk

`Very much a `hands-on' tool kit of a book, scholarly but accessible.... a very useful textbook which approaches its subject in an original way' - Sociological Research Online

`At last, a student-friendly guide that answers the question: "Yes, but how do you do Foucault?" Kendall and Wickham address the thorny question of how-to-Foucault in a clear, distinctive manner that stands out in the secondary literature on this important thinker' - Toby Miller, New York University

This book provides a clear, straightforward guide to those who want to apply the work of Foucault to their own field of interest. The authors employ an accessible style to encourage readers to engage with Foucault's work by tackling the issues that students most often raise.

The book is organized around the following themes: history, archaeology, genealogy and discourse as the cornerstones of Foucault's methods; and science and culture as important objects of analysis for those using Foucault's methods. The book enables the reader to understand how Foucault's contribution to social thought can be applied and opens up possibilities for researchers to use Foucault rather than merely discuss him.

`As a companion to Foucault's original texts, carefully showing what he's done and why - and how that could be applied elsewhere - it's outstanding' - www.theory.org.uk

`Very much a `hands-on' tool kit of a book, scholarly but accessible.... a very useful textbook which approaches its subject in an original way' - Sociological Research Online

`At last, a student-friendly guide that answers the question: "Yes, but how do you do Foucault?" Kendall and Wickham address the thorny question of how-to-Foucault in a clear, distinctive manner that stands out in the secondary literature on this important thinker' - Toby Miller, New York University

This book provides a clear, straightforward guide to those who want to apply the work of Foucault to their own field of interest. The authors employ an accessible style to encourage readers to engage with Foucault's work by tackling the issues that students most often raise.

The book is organized around the following themes: history, archaeology, genealogy and discourse as the cornerstones of Foucault's methods; and science and culture as important objects of analysis for those using Foucault's methods. The book enables the reader to understand how Foucault's contribution to social thought can be applied and opens up possibilities for researchers to use Foucault rather than merely discuss him.

There is an increasing divergence of focus group practice between social researchers and commercial market researchers. This book addresses the key issues and practical requirements of the social researcher, namely: the kinds of social research issues for which focus groups are most and least suitable; optimum group size and composition; and the designing of focusing exercises, facilitation and appropriate analysis.

The authors use examples, drawn from their own focus groups research experience, and provide exercises for further study. They address the three main components of composition, conduct and analysis in focus group research and also acknowledge the increasing impact the Internet has had on social research by covering the role and conduct of `virtual focus groups'.

There is an increasing divergence of focus group practice between social researchers and commercial market researchers. This book addresses the key issues and practical requirements of the social researcher, namely: the kinds of social research issues for which focus groups are most and least suitable; optimum group size and composition; and the designing of focusing exercises, facilitation and appropriate analysis.

The authors use examples, drawn from their own focus groups research experience, and provide exercises for further study. They address the three main components of composition, conduct and analysis in focus group research and also acknowledge the increasing impact the Internet has had on social research by covering the role and conduct of `virtual focus groups'.

Using Documents in Social Research offers a comprehensive, yet concise, introduction to the use of documents as tools within social science research. The books argues that documents stand in a dual-relation to human activity, and therefore by transmitting ideas and influencing the course and nature of human activity they are integral to the research process.

Key features of the book include:

· Alerts students to the diversity of social scientific research documents.

· Outlines the various strategies and debates that need to be considered in order to integrate the study of documents into a research project.

· Offers a number of examples where documents have been used within a variety of research contexts.

The book is written in an easy and engaging style which makes it accessible to undergraduates and postgraduate students. It will be essential reading for students and researchers across a range of social science disciplines.

Using Documents in Social Research offers a comprehensive, yet concise, introduction to the use of documents as tools within social science research. The books argues that documents stand in a dual-relation to human activity, and therefore by transmitting ideas and influencing the course and nature of human activity they are integral to the research process.

Key features of the book include:

· Alerts students to the diversity of social scientific research documents.

· Outlines the various strategies and debates that need to be considered in order to integrate the study of documents into a research project.

· Offers a number of examples where documents have been used within a variety of research contexts.

The book is written in an easy and engaging style which makes it accessible to undergraduates and postgraduate students. It will be essential reading for students and researchers across a range of social science disciplines.

`A comprehensive, balanced and judicious treatment of biographical methods in social research, made all the more useful to students by its careful delineation of the practicalities involved' - Raymond M Lee, Royal Holloway, University of London

Specifically designed for those carrying out biographical, life history or family history research, this concise guide covers the methods and issues involved.

The author demonstrates that biographical research is a distinctive way of conceptualizing social activity. The three main approaches to biographical and family history research are covered:

- Realist - focused around grounded-theory techniques of interviewing;

- Neo-positivist - more structured interview techniques;

- Narrative - with emphasis on the active construction of life stories through the interplay between interviewer and interviewee.

An invaluable introduction to the field, which contains much that will be of interest to the experienced practitioner, the book will be ideal for researchers in sociology, psychology, political science, social policy or anthropology.

`A comprehensive, balanced and judicious treatment of biographical methods in social research, made all the more useful to students by its careful delineation of the practicalities involved' - Raymond M Lee, Royal Holloway, University of London

Specifically designed for those carrying out biographical, life history or family history research, this concise guide covers the methods and issues involved.

The author demonstrates that biographical research is a distinctive way of conceptualizing social activity. The three main approaches to biographical and family history research are covered:

- Realist - focused around grounded-theory techniques of interviewing;

- Neo-positivist - more structured interview techniques;

- Narrative - with emphasis on the active construction of life stories through the interplay between interviewer and interviewee.

An invaluable introduction to the field, which contains much that will be of interest to the experienced practitioner, the book will be ideal for researchers in sociology, psychology, political science, social policy or anthropology.

This outstanding new textbook provides a comprehensive overview of qualitative approaches to educational research. The text draws upon a broad range of real-life examples to describe and illustrate the methods through which educational data may be analyzed. Through a detailed yet concise explanation, the reader is then shown how these methods work and how their outcomes may be interpreted.

Key features of this title include:

- Links theory and practice by locating forms of analysis within a clear theoretical perspective.

- Locates qualitative research in the social and cultural context in which it originates.

- Contains a variety of `real-life' examples and case studies.

- Each chapter concludes with a set of exercises and questions for further discussion.

Qualitative Research in Education presents a thorough explanation of the complexities of educational research and demonstrates the importance of placing this knowledge within cultural, linguistic and sociological contexts. It is an extremely informative text, which constitutes essential reading for those engaged in the research and analysis of educational data.

This outstanding new textbook provides a comprehensive overview of qualitative approaches to educational research. The text draws upon a broad range of real-life examples to describe and illustrate the methods through which educational data may be analyzed. Through a detailed yet concise explanation, the reader is then shown how these methods work and how their outcomes may be interpreted.

Key features of this title include:

- Links theory and practice by locating forms of analysis within a clear theoretical perspective.

- Locates qualitative research in the social and cultural context in which it originates.

- Contains a variety of `real-life' examples and case studies.

- Each chapter concludes with a set of exercises and questions for further discussion.

Qualitative Research in Education presents a thorough explanation of the complexities of educational research and demonstrates the importance of placing this knowledge within cultural, linguistic and sociological contexts. It is an extremely informative text, which constitutes essential reading for those engaged in the research and analysis of educational data.

`A really fine book... an impressive work that adds much to the development of the use of qualitative methodology in social work research' - William J Reid, University at Albany

'The back cover of the book proclaims that "Qualitative Research in Social Work will be essential reading for all students, practitioners and researchers undertaking social work research." That just about sums it up for me' - British Journal of Social Work

`This book is a significant milestone in the development of social work research. It is characterized by an unparalleled command of the field of qualitative research in social work, and by a commitment to an understanding of the demands and potential of day-to-day social work practice' - Mike Fisher, Director of Research, National Institute for Social Research

`Qualitative Research in Social Work edited by Ian Shaw and Nick Gould, provides a state-of-the-art exposition and analysis of qualitative inquiry in relation to social work.... The book has an unusual degree of coherence for one with several authors. The five chapters by the editors (parts one and three) do an exceptional job of providing the necessary background information and setting the context for the six application chapters and of highlighting and discussing the issues raised in those chapters. The editors are respected scholars

well-versed in the theory and practice of qualitative research. Similarly, the contributing authors represent both considerable experience in this field and a diversity of interests. This combination makes Qualitative Research in Social Work an excellent text for students, practitioners, and researchers alike. It is a benchmark for social work progress in this area and points the way for the continued development of qualitative inquiry' - Professor Stanley L Witkin, Department of Social Work, University of Vermont

There is a clear need for a book which treats qualitative research as a substantive theme within social work, setting epistemological and methodological issues in a context whereby the agenda is set by, and is relevant to, social work. Qualitative Research in Social Work is just such a book and will be immensely useful for students, practitioners and researchers interested in and undertaking social work research.

In the introductory chapters the co-authors set qualitative research within a context of social work developments and problems. The central section provides additional topicality and directness through specially commissioned chapters from leading figures in this field each covering key qualitative methods and relating them to social work settings, and the final section which reviews qualitative research in social work, and aims to exemplify ways in which social work thought and practice can be advanced through research.

`This book is a goldmine for students…it is brilliantly conceptualized and brilliantly executed. With this book cultural studies finally comes of age methodologically' - Professor Norman K Denzin, Institute of Communications Research, University of Illinois

Doing Research in Cultural Studies outlines the key methodological approaches to the study of lived experience, texts and social contexts within the field of cultural studies. It offers a comprehensive discussion of classical methodologies and introduces the reader to more contemporary debates that have argued for new ethnographic, poststructuralist and multi-scape research methods. Through a detailed yet concise explanation, the reader is shown how these methodologies work and how their outcomes may be interpreted.

Key features of the book include:

- An innovative framework - combining different methodologies and approaches.

- A variety of `real-life' examples and case studies - enriches the book for the reader

- A set of practical exercises in each chapter - pedagogical and student-focused throughout.

The book has a flowing narrative and student-friendly structure which make it accessible to and popular with students, while the discussion of fresh approaches makes it also of interest to experienced researchers. It contains all the ingredients necessary to help the reader attain a solid grasp of analytical and practical challenges to doing effective research in cultural studies today.

`This book is a goldmine for students…it is brilliantly conceptualized and brilliantly executed. With this book cultural studies finally comes of age methodologically' - Professor Norman K Denzin, Institute of Communications Research, University of Illinois

Doing Research in Cultural Studies outlines the key methodological approaches to the study of lived experience, texts and social contexts within the field of cultural studies. It offers a comprehensive discussion of classical methodologies and introduces the reader to more contemporary debates that have argued for new ethnographic, poststructuralist and multi-scape research methods. Through a detailed yet concise explanation, the reader is shown how these methodologies work and how their outcomes may be interpreted.

Key features of the book include:

- An innovative framework - combining different methodologies and approaches.

- A variety of `real-life' examples and case studies - enriches the book for the reader

- A set of practical exercises in each chapter - pedagogical and student-focused throughout.

The book has a flowing narrative and student-friendly structure which make it accessible to and popular with students, while the discussion of fresh approaches makes it also of interest to experienced researchers. It contains all the ingredients necessary to help the reader attain a solid grasp of analytical and practical challenges to doing effective research in cultural studies today.

`The book will be of particular value to those wishing to understand and review the importance of gender within their research studies. It provides a clear and critical view of some of the social theories concerning gender, society and experience' - Nurse Researcher

Gender and Qualitative Methods outlines the practical and philosophical issues of gender in qualitative research. Taking a social constructionist approach to gender, the authors emphasize that the task of the researcher is to investigate how gender/s is/are defined, negotiated and performed by people themselves within specific situations and locations.

Each chapter begins with an introduction to a specific method and/or research subject and then goes on to discuss gender as an analytical category in relation to it. Areas covered include: field work; life story; membership categorisation analysis; and analysis of gender in sound and vision.

Written in a clear and accessible way, each chapter contains practical exercises that will teach the student methods to observe and analyze the effects of gender in various texts and contexts. The book is also packed with examples taken from women and men's studies as well as from feminist and other gender studies.

`The book will be of particular value to those wishing to understand and review the importance of gender within their research studies. It provides a clear and critical view of some of the social theories concerning gender, society and experience' - Nurse Researcher

Gender and Qualitative Methods outlines the practical and philosophical issues of gender in qualitative research. Taking a social constructionist approach to gender, the authors emphasize that the task of the researcher is to investigate how gender/s is/are defined, negotiated and performed by people themselves within specific situations and locations.

Each chapter begins with an introduction to a specific method and/or research subject and then goes on to discuss gender as an analytical category in relation to it. Areas covered include: field work; life story; membership categorisation analysis; and analysis of gender in sound and vision.

Written in a clear and accessible way, each chapter contains practical exercises that will teach the student methods to observe and analyze the effects of gender in various texts and contexts. The book is also packed with examples taken from women and men's studies as well as from feminist and other gender studies.

Qualitative research has become a legitimate approach within the information systems community, but researchers have traditionally drawn upon material from the social sciences given the absence of a single source relevant to them. Qualitative Research in Information Systems: A Reader represents just such a volume and is both timely and relevant.

Information systems and qualitative research articles are now widely used for teaching on many upper level courses in information systems, and there is demand for a definitive collection of these readings as a basic reader and teaching text. This book expertly brings together the seminal works in the field, along with editorial introductions to assist the reader in understanding the essential principles of qualitative research.

The book is organised according to the following thematic sections:

· Part I: Overview of Qualitative Research

· Part II: Philosophical Perspectives

· Part III: Qualitative Research Methods

· Part IV: Modes of Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Data

Qualitative Research in Information Systems: A Reader should become the benchmark reference point for students and researchers in information systems, management science and others involved in information technology needing to learn about qualitative research.

`The great strength of this book is that it provides a clear and well-structured overview of some of the diverse approaches that are currently available within the qualitative tradition' - British Journal of Educational Psychology

Although most undergraduates are able to collect qualitative data without too much difficulty, they are often less successful in turning this into an interesting, theoretically-informed analysis.

Qualitative Research through Case Studies will help students improve the quality of their work through introducing a wide range of traditions, including interpretive approaches such as grounded theory, dramaturgical analysis, ethnomethodology and conversation analysis and political approaches such as critical discourse analysis, feminism and postmodern ethnography.

Each chapter introduces the theoretical assumptions of the tradition through discussing a number of case-studies: classic or exemplary studies which illustrate how different researchers have used qualitative methods in researching a variety of topics. There are also practical hints on designing undergraduate projects, exercises and a guide to further reading.

The book is intended for students in a wide range of disciplines and should be particularly useful for complete beginners who are interested in conducting qualitative research as part o

`The great strength of this book is that it provides a clear and well-structured overview of some of the diverse approaches that are currently available within the qualitative tradition' - British Journal of Educational Psychology

Although most undergraduates are able to collect qualitative data without too much difficulty, they are often less successful in turning this into an interesting, theoretically-informed analysis.

Qualitative Research through Case Studies will help students improve the quality of their work through introducing a wide range of traditions, including interpretive approaches such as grounded theory, dramaturgical analysis, ethnomethodology and conversation analysis and political approaches such as critical discourse analysis, feminism and postmodern ethnography.

Each chapter introduces the theoretical assumptions of the tradition through discussing a number of case-studies: classic or exemplary studies which illustrate how different researchers have used qualitative methods in researching a variety of topics. There are also practical hints on designing undergraduate projects, exercises and a guide to further reading.

The book is intended for students in a wide range of disciplines and should be particularly useful for complete beginners who are interested in conducting qualitative research as part o

`The book has no competitor; it summarises the development of the method, follows through all stages of research from accessing subjects through design to analysing diary information as data, and considers how the method can best be exploited and used. No other book comes remotely near doing this. I for one shall be using it gratefully as the single best text for diary research' - Professor Anthony P Macmillan Coxon, Honorary Professorial Fellow, University of Edinburgh

In this accessible and lucid introductory text, Andy Alaszewski considers the analysis of diaries as a distinctive research technique in its own right. Nothing has previously covered this area in single-volume format, but the timely emergence of Using Diaries for Social Research recognizes the increased interest in and relevance of diary methodology within social research teaching.

Effectively combining theory, history and methodology, Alaszewski begins by discussing how diary keeping has developed; outlining the key features of the medium and examining the ways in which diaries have been and can be used for social research. He describes how suitable diaries and diarists can be identified by the researcher and, once found, how these diaries can be structured to generate research material. Finally, the researcher is taken through the analysis stage; examining statistical techniques, content-analysis and structure-analysis as effective methods of investigating diary texts.

This introductory student guide is an essential text for anyone involved in the area of social or historical research and for those working in the narrative tradition.

`The book has no competitor; it summarises the development of the method, follows through all stages of research from accessing subjects through design to analysing diary information as data, and considers how the method can best be exploited and used. No other book comes remotely near doing this. I for one shall be using it gratefully as the single best text for diary research' - Professor Anthony P Macmillan Coxon, Honorary Professorial Fellow, University of Edinburgh

In this accessible and lucid introductory text, Andy Alaszewski considers the analysis of diaries as a distinctive research technique in its own right. Nothing has previously covered this area in single-volume format, but the timely emergence of Using Diaries for Social Research recognizes the increased interest in and relevance of diary methodology within social research teaching.

Effectively combining theory, history and methodology, Alaszewski begins by discussing how diary keeping has developed; outlining the key features of the medium and examining the ways in which diaries have been and can be used for social research. He describes how suitable diaries and diarists can be identified by the researcher and, once found, how these diaries can be structured to generate research material. Finally, the researcher is taken through the analysis stage; examining statistical techniques, content-analysis and structure-analysis as effective methods of investigating diary texts.

This introductory student guide is an essential text for anyone involved in the area of social or historical research and for those working in the narrative tradition.