Qualitative Research Methods for Psychologists: Introduction through Empirical Studies [Hardcover]

Constance T. Fischer (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0120884704 | ISBN-13: 978-0120884704 | Edition: 1

This collection of 14 original articles teaches readers how to conduct qualitative research. Instead of characterizing and justifying certain methods, the contributors show by means of actual research studies what assumptions, procedures, and dilemmas they encountered. Fischer's introduction, which emphasizes the practical nature of qualitative research and the closing chapter, which uses a question-and-answer format to investigate, among other subjects, what is scientific about qualitative research, are complemented by a glossary and other features that increase the book's utility and value.

* Addresses a range of practical examples from different traditions such as phenomology, grounded theory, ethnography and discourse analysis through actual case studies
* Discusses various methodology and combinations of methods like assimilation analysis, dialogal approach, intuitive inquiry, and conceptual encounter
* Terms are defined within chapters and/or in a glossary
* Helps readers bridge from experimental to qualitative methods
* Provides in-depth, philosophically grounded, and compelling research findings
* Includes practical introduction about steps in qualitative research

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a rich, multi-layered book...I would particularly recommend this book as a teaching tool to use on post-graduate courses exploring qualitative methodology and psychotherapy."
--Linda Finlay for QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY, Volume 3, Number 4, 2006

"Fischer (Duquesne University) brings together experienced researchers to introduce students to the methods of qualitative research. In her introduction, she defines qualitative research, discusses how it compares with quantitative research, and looks at the types of questions such research attempts to answer. She also provides information on practical issues, from picking topics to publishing. Students will particularly appreciate the annotated sources at the end of the introduction, the chapter of frequently asked questions, and the helpful glossary. The 13 chapters include case demonstrations of different approaches to studying clinical practices, affective and cognitive processes, and life situations. Each chapter includes methodology and rationale, biographical information on the author(s), and an introduction explaining the focus of the chapter and how the content fits within the broader text. Throughout readers will observe the reflective processes involved in conducting qualitative research. This will be a valuable source on methods used to conduct phenomenological research. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals."
--C. J. Speaker, Elmira College for CHOICE, July 2006

Book Description

Actual case demonstrations that teach the reader how to conduct qualitative research!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 1 edition (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0120884704
• ISBN-13: 978-0120884704
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,555,639 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Qualitative Research Methods for Psychologists: Introduction through Empirical Studies, January 17, 2006

By 

Maria E. Piantanida - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Qualitative Research Methods for Psychologists: Introduction through Empirical Studies (Hardcover)

This is an excellent resource for students and faculty who want to understand the thinking behind various methods of empirical qualitative research. It is a refreshing counterpoint to the many books on qualitative research in the social sciences that are embedded in a post-positivist world view. Although the book is geared toward psychologists, it can be useful to professionals in other human, health, and social service areas. One of the strengthens of the book is the way in which chapter authors provide examples from specific research projects to illustrate concepts and principles inherent in qualitative empirical research grounded in traditions such as phenomenology, hermeneutics, feminism, and discourse analysis. The examples help to demystify the thinking processes that underpin good research and give a language for explaining studies that do not conform to the conventions of post-positivism. I found the framework for conceptualizing five forms of validity to be particularly helpful.

The introductory chapter may be especially useful for inexperienced student-researchers who are preparing proposals for their dissertations. A number of issues that require students' attention are raised along with practical suggestions for how to think through the issues.