This book is a practical guide to conducting and analysing qualitative research. It describes the research process from beginning to end, and engages with the theoretical and philosophical debates surrounding research. This edition describes methodological issues and presents a step-by-step guide to qualitative research techniques; explains both established as well as more innovative and complex methods; includes two new chapters, on qualitative case study research and on grounded theory research; builds on the popular chapters on cyber research and research with vulnerable groups; includes practical chapters on writing proposals and research reports, and has an expanded section on ethics.

Table of Contents

Introduction Part 1 Background to Qualitative Research 1. Theoretical Frameworks and Sampling in Qualitative Research 2. Rigour and Ethics in Qualitative Research Part 2 Types of Qualitative Research Methods 3. In-depth Interviewing Method 4. Focus Groups 5. Unobtrusive Methods 6. Narrative Inquiry Methodology: Life and Oral History, Life Story and Biographical Research. 7. Memory-work 8. Ethnography 9. Participatory Action Research 10. Qualitative Case Study Research 11. Grounded Theory Research Part 3 Applications of Qualitative Research 12. Researching the 'Vulnerable' 13. Going Online: Doing Qualitative Research in Cyberspace 14. Making Sense of Qualitative Data: Analysis Process 15. Writing a Qualitative Research Proposal 16. Writing a Qualitative Research Report 17. Qualitative Research: New Directions Glossary References

About the Author

Pranee Liamputtong - Professor and Personal Chair, School of Public Health, La Trobe University