Qualitative Research and Theory Development

Author: Mats Alvesson
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446259889
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 146

Book Description
Empirical data is one of the cornerstones of knowledge in the social sciences, and yet the researcher often takes it for granted, reserving his or her imaginative faculties for finding a theory that ′fits the data′. This revealing account of the theory-data relationship calls this faith in data into question and establishes a reflexive framework and vocabulary to explore the creative, political and philosophical elements of data production. Rather than thinking about the theory-data ′fit′, Alvesson and Karreman will encourage you to consider the research process as one of theory-data interplay, asking if creative empirical material can challenge established theory and inspire new lines of development, and if breakdowns and mysteries encountered in research can be a constructive rather than destructive process. They will encourage you to think critically about empirical data in terms of construction rather than verification, and most importantly they will encourage you to develop theory that is interesting and novel, rather than naive or irrelevant, making this title essential reading for those who often find the traditional vocabulary and frameworks of social science research obvious or simplistic.

Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences

Author: Alexander L. George
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262262894
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 347

Book Description
The use of case studies to build and test theories in political science and the other social sciences has increased in recent years. Many scholars have argued that the social sciences rely too heavily on quantitative research and formal models and have attempted to develop and refine rigorous methods for using case studies. This text presents a comprehensive analysis of research methods using case studies and examines the place of case studies in social science methodology. It argues that case studies, statistical methods, and formal models are complementary rather than competitive. The book explains how to design case study research that will produce results useful to policymakers and emphasizes the importance of developing policy-relevant theories. It offers three major contributions to case study methodology: an emphasis on the importance of within-case analysis, a detailed discussion of process tracing, and development of the concept of typological theories. Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences will be particularly useful to graduate students and scholars in social science methodology and the philosophy of science, as well as to those designing new research projects, and will contribute greatly to the broader debate about scientific methods.

Basics of Qualitative Research

Author: Anselm Strauss
Publisher: SAGE Publications, Incorporated
ISBN: 9780803959392
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 336

Book Description
The Second Edition of this best-selling textbook continues to offer immensely practical advice and technical expertise that will aid researchers in analyzing and interpreting their collected data, and ultimately build theory from it. The authors provide a step-by-step guide to the research act. Full of definitions and illustrative examples, the book presents criteria for evaluating a study as well as responses to common questions posed by students of qualitative research.

Grounded Theory for Qualitative Research

Author: Cathy Urquhart
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446271587
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 225

Book Description
Based on the author′s own wealth of experience this timely, engaging book helps first-time researchers to discover the excitement of grounded theory. Fresh, innovative and clear this book traces the history and development of grounded theory method, and examines how the method is evolving for new contexts today. It sets out the principles involved in using grounded theory and explains the process and theory associated with coding in grounded theory. The book introduces us to the practicalities of research design, theory building, coding and writing up and gives us the tools to tackle key questions: - What is grounded theory? - How do we code and theorise using grounded theory? - How do we write up a grounded theory study? This is an exciting new text for students and researchers across the social sciences who want to use grounded theory.

Qualitative Methods for Family Studies and Human Development

Author: Kerry J. Daly
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1452278989
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 313

Book Description
"Daly has crafted one of the most accessible, comprehensive, and functional texts in research methods that students, scholars, and practitioners concerned with understanding family and development will immensely appreciate." —Carla L. Fisher, The Pennsylvania State University "I love this book! It is thoroughly excellent—accessible and clear. ... What an accomplishment: an inviting research methods book written with intelligence and humility—makes you want to dive right into your next research project." —Katherine R. Allen, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University This book is a masterpiece. Kerry Daly has written the finest and most profound volume on qualitative research available in print. From the opening chapter to the last, it is clear that we are in the hands of a master scholar who brings great depth and wisdom to his work. . . . A tour de force by any standard. —David Dollahite, Brigham Young University Qualitative Methods for Family Studies and Human Development serves as a step-by-step, interdisciplinary, qualitative methods text for those working in the areas of family studies, human development, family therapy, and family social work. Providing a systematic outline for carrying out qualitative projects from start to finish, author Kerry J. Daly uniquely combines epistemology, theory, and methodology into a comprehensive package illustrated with specific examples from family relations and human development research. Key Features: Outlines different analytic procedures: The most commonly used methodological traditions are covered, including ethnography, interpretive phenomenology, grounded theory methodology, narrative analysis, discourse analysis, and participatory action research. Offers examples from both hypothetical and actual research studies: Attention is given to the unique challenges associated with qualitative research on couples and families, ethics procedures, and credibility issues. Allows readers to make informed choices within clear guidelines: Balances breadth of topic coverage with sufficient detail to equip students to make informed decisions about methodologies and to be able to design and implement a qualitative research project. Cultivates good perceptual skills: Several pedagogical text boxes, tips and guidelines for data collection, examples, and illustrations encourage students to reflect on their own preferences, values, and experiences.

Theoretical Frameworks in Qualitative Research

Author: Vincent A. Anfara, Jr.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1483355284
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 277

Book Description
The Second Edition of Theoretical Frameworks in Qualitative Research brings together some of today’s leading qualitative researchers to discuss the frameworks behind their published qualitative studies. They share how they found and chose a theoretical framework, from what discipline the framework was drawn, what the framework posits, and how it influenced their study. Both novice and experienced qualitative researchers are able to learn first-hand from various contributors as they reflect on the process and decisions involved in completing their study. The book also provides background for beginning researchers about the nature of theoretical frameworks and their importance in qualitative research; about differences in perspective about the role of theoretical frameworks; and about how to find and use a theoretical framework.

Doing Critical Management Research

Author: Mats Alvesson
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 9780761953333
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 244

Book Description
This volume provides a detailed discussion of the practice of critical research in organizations, utilizing and integrating both qualitative research processes and critical theories of organizations.

Five Ways of Doing Qualitative Analysis

Author: Kathy Charmaz
Publisher: Guilford Press
ISBN: 1609181425
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 450

Book Description
This unique text provides a broad introduction to qualitative analysis together with concrete demonstrations and comparisons of five major approaches. Leading scholars apply their respective analytic lenses to a narrative account and interview featuring "Teresa," a young opera singer who experienced a career-changing illness. The resulting analyses vividly exemplify what each approach looks like in action. The researchers then probe the similarities and differences among their approaches; their distinctive purposes and strengths; the role, style, and subjectivity of the individual researcher; and the scientific and ethical complexities of conducting qualitative research. Also included are the research participant's responses to each analysis of her experience. A narrative account from another research participant, "Gail," can be used by readers to practice the kinds of analysis explored in the book.

Qualitative Research and Theory Development

Author: Mats Alvesson
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 0857023241
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 145

Book Description
Encouraging readers to take a critical approach to empirical data, the authors provide an account that helps social science researchers to develop new and interesting theories.

Qualitative Research for Development

Author: Morten Skovdal
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781853398544
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
How do we know whether our development programmes are reducing poverty and empowering the most vulnerable people? What evidence do we have to support our theory of change? Qualitative research for development aims to build the research capacity of development practitioners so that their work benefits from the significant contributions offered by solid qualitative research. The book guides development practitioners through the process of planning, conducting and reporting on a qualitative study, whilst simultaneously highlighting the role of qualitative research in improving the impact, quality and accountability of development programmes. It covers in detail data collection methods such as Participatory Learning and Action, Photovoice, Individual Interviews, Focus Group Discussions and Observations. It demystifies qualitative research and builds the skills and confidence of development practitioners to use qualitative methods authoritatively, and to communicate findings to different audiences. The book draws on considerable hands-on experience and incorporates case studies from Save the Children and other international organizations to illustrate 'good practice'. To facilitate learning, all the chapters include a series of practical activities that can help the reader to engage actively with the material. This book is an indispensable learning tool for all development practitioners within NGOs and government departments, as well as researchers and students engaged with applied qualitative research in the context of development.