What is Qualitative Research?

Martyn Hammersley

A&C Black, Jan 3, 2013 - Social Science - 144 pages

This book provides an inviting introduction to qualitative research, one that is designed to stimulate reflection on its character and prospects. What is Qualitative Research? offers clear definitions of key terms and concepts, as well as a thorough discussion of the various kinds of data used. Different types of qualitative investigation are examined, and key concepts and issues discussed. There will also be an examination of important debates within qualitative research about its proper character and future direction. This book examines the nature of qualitative research, the contrast with quantitative method, and the variety of forms that qualitative inquiry now takes. Comprehensive examination coupled with illustrative examples clarifies the differences and disagreements among qualitative researchers. Covering important topics such as research design, data production and analysis and the politics of representation, What is Qualitative Research? will be a vital resource for both new and experienced researchers.

Contents

• 1 Defining qualitative research: 1
• 2 Methodological philosophies: 21
• 3 Divergent analytic styles: 47
• 4 Two methodological disputes: 67
• Conclusion: 95
• References: 101
• Index: 119

About the author

Martyn Hammersley is Professor of Educational and Social Research at the Centre for Childhood, Development and Learning at The Open University. He has carried out research in the sociology of education and the sociology of the media. However, much of his work has been concerned with the methodological issues surrounding social enquiry. He has written several books, including: Reading Ethnographic Research (1991); What's Wrong with Ethnography? (1992); The Politics of Social Research (1995); Taking Sides in Social Research (1999); Educational Research, Policymaking and Practice (2002), Questioning Qualitative Inquiry (2008), and Methodology, Who Needs It? (2011).

Bibliographic information

• Title: What is Qualitative Research?; The 'What is?' Research Methods Series
• Author: Martyn Hammersley
• Publisher: A&C Black, 2013
• ISBN: 1849666067, 9781849666060
• Length: 144 pages
• Subjects: Reference / Research; Science / Research & Methodology; Social Science / Research