Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook [Hardcover]

David Silverman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0761958223 | ISBN-13: 978-0761958222 | Publication Date: December 21, 1999 | Edition: 1st

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

Editorial Reviews

Review

`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

About the Author

David Silverman is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Goldsmiths’ College and Visiting Professor, Business School, University of Technology, Sydney.  His research interests focus on medical encounters, conversation and discourse analysis. He is the author of Interpreting Qualitative Data (Fourth Edition,2012), Doing Qualitative Research (Third Edition,2010) and A Very Short, Fairly Interesting, Reasonably Cheap Book about Qualitative Research (2007). He is the editor of Qualitative Research (Third Edition,2011).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd; 1st edition (December 21, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761958223
• ISBN-13: 978-0761958222
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,923,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars an introduction to a qualitative research degree, January 4, 2001

By 

S Smart (Harrogate, North Yorkshire Great Britain) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook (Paperback)

This book offers a good introduction to some of the practicalites of qualitative research for a research degree. Thus much of the book is about research managment and structuring a thesis, issues which are relatively uncommon in books on qualitative research. What it does, it does very well. It does not offer an introduction to qualitative research and the comments on this field are very much from the perspective of Silverman's own research area, conversation analysis. Nonetheless I have found it a very helpful complement to more theoretical qualitative research texts.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book to understand qualitative research or case study, June 9, 2004

By 

Digger (IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook (Hardcover)

This is the best book on qualitative research I could get hold of to write my thesis. It explains the topics in a very easy to understand manner, especially the theories behind the scenes. It gives very good examples. And the biggest fact is that this book is interesting to read, even with all the dry topics. I really liked the comparison of final chapter of thesis with the ending of a classical symphony.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very encouraging and helpful., September 19, 2005

By 

E. Tsui - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook (Paperback)

I am new to qualitative research and have been looking for a good guidebook to help me start. Most of the qualitative research reference books I came across have been quite philosophical and not yet taking me through the step. This one is different and it is exactly what I need. Although it is a bit hard to follow at first, the chapters become shorter and easier to digest. I quite like Silverman's encouraging tone and practical suggestions. Some examples are quite difficult to follow, perhaps because of cultural difference. I hope the second edition has improvement over this.