Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Psychology

‘The  most scholarly volume on qualitative methods I have encountered … rigorously researched, fascinatingly presented, and – most importantly - critically evaluated.’
Dr Tom Farsides, University of Sussex
 
 
 

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 “A comprehensive and practical guide to qualitative methods for the novice researcher. Accessible and packed with detailed practical advice, it is the must-have text for Psychology students studying or using qualitative research methods."
Dr Sonja J. Ellis, Sheffield Hallam University
 
'Howitt writes with authority, skill and clarity on the key methods of qualitative data collection and analysis... this is an accomplished, comprehensive and animated textbook which I would not hesitate to recommend to students.'
Professor Brendan Gough, Nottingham Trent University
 
 
 
This new book provides a comprehensive, clear, and practical introduction to Qualitative Methods in Psychology with coverage spanning from data collection and analysis to quality, ethics and writing up a qualitative research report. 
 
The theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of qualitative methodologies and the relationship between qualitative and quantitative methods are outlined to provide a clear framework for the text.  After this, each chapter adopts a common structure to explain what each method encompasses, how to use it, and when to use it.  Illustrative examples of research studies and advice boxes are provided throughout to help students develop a deep and practical understanding.
 
Key features include
 
·        Chapter overview and summaries provide a useful framework to help guide study and revision
·        Illustrative research studies provide a picture of how the different methods have been used to answer real research questions 
·        Key concepts outline important terms and ideas
·        Step by step practical advice offers guidance on a range of important questions
·        Each chapter ends with recommended resources for further study including books, journal articles, and web pages as appropriate
·        A comprehensive glossary provides help with key terms
 
 
 
Go to www.pearsoned.co.uk/Howitt to find the book’s companion website, featuring a range of great resources to help students consolidate their understanding of qualitative methods.
 
 
 

“Provides down-to-earth advice and balanced discussion of different methods. The insights on when the researcher should use a given analytic framework are especially useful.'
Dr Peter Musaeus, Aarhus University
 
 
"...a well-written and informative book that will make it easier to grasp the fundamentals of qualitative methods in psychology."
Dr Anita G™rling, LuleΣ University of Technology

List of contents

 
 
 
 
Guided tour of the book
Preface
Acknowledgements
 
Part 1 Background to qualitative methods in psychology
1 What is qualitative research in psychology and was it really hidden?
2 How qualitative methods developed in psychology
 
Part 2 Qualitative data collection
3 Qualitative interviewing
4 Focus groups
5 Ethnography/participant observation
 
Part 3 Qualitative data analysis
6 Data transcription methods
7 Thematic analysis
8 Qualitative data analysis: grounded theory development
9 Discourse analysis
10 Conversation analysis
11 Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)
12 Narrative analysis
 
Part 4 Planning and writing up qualitative data research
13 Writing a qualitative report
14 Ensuring quality in qualitative research
15 Ethics and data management in qualitative research
 
Glossary
References
Index

 

Summary

This comprehensive introduction to Qualitative Methods in Psychology offers step by step practical advice and guidance on a range of important topics in this field.  The qualitative researcher must learn how to collate data effectively in order to understand behaviour in a natural setting, how to understand an experience from the perspective of the research participant and also how to understand the meanings people give to their experience. Illustrative research studies throughout this book provide a picture of how different methods have been used to answer real research questions.  Key concepts outline important terms and ideas; each chapter adopts a common structure to explain what each method encompasses, how to use it, and when to use it.  Every chapter ends with recommended resources for further study including books, journal articles, and web pages as appropriate.  Chapter overview and summaries provide a useful framework to help guide study and revision.  The book is supported by a fantastic companion website www.pearsoned.co.uk/Howitt featuring a range of great resources to help students consolidate their understanding of qualitative methods.
Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology will equip the researcher with the ability and knowledge to collate and analyse data, whilst taking into account ethical considerations, to enable them to write up their qualitative research report.

Product details

• Authors: Duncan Cramer, Dennis Howitt
• Publisher: Pearson Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.01.2010
• EAN: 9780132068741
• ISBN: 978-0-13-206874-1
• No. of pages: 472
• Weight: 1040 g
• Series: Prentice Hall; Prentice Hall