Doing Qualitative Research: Second Edition (Paperback)

~ Professor David Silverman (Author) "This is the fifth textbook on methodology which I have written or edited since 1985..." (more)
Key Phrases: Clive Seale, Open University Press, Pat Cryer's The Research Student's Guide (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Doing Qualitative Research has been the single most useful text in my academic learning and now my teaching. Barely a working day goes by without me drawing on one of [Silverman's] many practical pointers or examples of sound practice' - Dr Bridget Hamilton, University of Melbourne

Product Description

David Silverman's seminal Doing Qualitative Research can justifiably claim to be `the supervisor in your pocket' for all PhD and Masters students embarking on their own qualitative research project. This hugely popular textbook has been fully revised and updated and is one of the few books available that can claim to be essential reading for anyone planning their own research project. 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. Silverman demonstrates how to learn the craft of qualitative research by applying knowledge about different methods 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. Features of Doing Qualitative Research: Second Edition include: - six new chapters - case studies of students' own experiential accounts of doing research - essential guidance on practical issues such as working with your supervisor or writing up your research - end-of-chapter 'researcher's checklists' - a range of examples from across the full range of social science disciplines, including sociology, education, health studies and business studies - the latest discussions of CAQDAS and E-research - an all new and extended methods glossary Doing Qualitative Research: Second Edition retains Silverman's uniquely accessible, hands-on style, walking the student through every aspect of the process of actually doing a qualitative research project. 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 based on the experiences of real students, with exercises designed both to test readers' knowledge and to encourage the development of practical skills.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd; 2nd edition (December 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1412901979
• ISBN-13: 978-1412901970
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #224,151 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine book on a complex topic, September 14, 2007

By	Ross Koppel "rkoppel" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm using Silverman's book in my sociology class on Field Methods. He combines a light but scholarly touch that my students (and I) find very accessible. He manages the difficult task of being comprehensive and yet not in the plodding text-book way that turns off students.
The chapters are short and focused. That's helpful for my course, where some are not appropriate for my undergraduates (e.g., working with your Ph.D. advisors).

I've used a lot of other text books for this course. Generally, authors have a hard time achieving the balance among three goals: 1. scholarly references and examples that are needed to inform the students, vs. 2. showing your colleagues that you know the literature, vs. 3 keeping the students interested. Silverman achieves this balance.

The writing is first rate. In a subfield that relies on written presentations of ideas, events, observations, and interactions, that skill is essential.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, May 29, 2009

By	Dr. M. L. Francisco "Leela D'Souza" (Mumbai, India) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent book to get grounded with one's ideas at the beginning of writing a dissertation/thesis. Silvermans' style of writing is fluent and effective, reaching out easily to one's muddled thoughts and vague ideas.

In addition to one's guide or supervisor, to feel like one knows how to proceed in style and content is a boon. I would highly reccomend reading this book.