Qualitative research is designed to explore the human elements of a given topic, while specific qualitative methods examine how individuals see and experience the world. Qualitative approaches are typically used to explore new phenomena and to capture individuals’ thoughts, feelings, or interpretations of meaning and process. Such methods are central to research conducted in education, nursing, sociology, anthropology, information studies, and other disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and health sciences. Qualitative research projects are informed by a wide range of methodologies and theoretical frameworks.

The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods presents current and complete information as well as ready-to-use techniques, facts, and examples from the field of qualitative research in a very accessible style. In taking an interdisciplinary approach, these two volumes target a broad audience and fill a gap in the existing reference literature for a general guide to the core concepts that inform qualitative research practices. The entries cover every major facet of qualitative methods, including access to research participants, data coding, research ethics, the role of theory in qualitative research, and much more—all without overwhelming the informed reader.

Key Features

Defines and explains core concepts, describes the techniques involved in the implementation of qualitative methods, and presents an overview of qualitative approaches to research

Offers many entries that point to substantive debates among qualitative researchers regarding how concepts are labeled and the implications of such labels for how qualitative research is valued

Guides readers through the complex landscape of the language of qualitative inquiry

Includes contributors from various countries and disciplines that reflect a diverse spectrum of research approaches from more traditional, positivist approaches, through postmodern, constructionist ones

Presents some entries written in first-person voice and others in third-person voice to reflect the diversity of approaches that define qualitative work

Key Themes

Approaches and Methodologies

Arts-Based Research, Ties to

Computer Software

Data Analysis

Data Collection

Data Types and Characteristics

Dissemination

History of Qualitative Research

Participants

Quantitative Research, Ties to

Research Ethics

Rigor

Textual Analysis, Ties to

Theoretical and Philosophical Frameworks

The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods is designed to appeal to undergraduate and graduate students, practitioners, researchers, consultants, and consumers of information across the social sciences, humanities, and health sciences, making it a welcome addition to any academic or public library.

Lisa M. Given, Ph.D., is Professor of Information Studies in the School of Information Studies (Faculty of Education) and in the Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education at Charles Sturt University, Australia. Lisa also serves as a member of the College of the Australian Research Council and is an Adjunct Professor in Humanities Computing (Faculty of Arts) and Educational Policy Studies (Faculty of Education) at the University of Alberta. A former Director of the International Institute for Qualitative Methodology, Lisa has received numerous research grants and awards and has published widely on topics related to individuals' information behaviours and qualitative inquiry.