Qualitative Methods in Social Work Research

by Deborah K. Padgett

Overview

Qualitative Methods in Social Work Research provides accessible, how-to instruction for carrying out rigorous qualitative research. The thoroughly revised Third Edition offers a comprehensive introduction to qualitative methods based on six major approaches: ethnography, grounded theory, case study, narrative, phenomenological, and participatory action research. Readers will appreciate the book’s ease of use, friendly writing style, and helpful cases/examples that combine attention to methodological rigor with pragmatic concerns for real-world relevance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781483323305
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	05/25/2016
Series:	SAGE Sourcebooks for the Human Services , #36
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	352
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Dr. Deborah K. Padgett is widely known for her expertise in qualitative and mixed methods including this third edition and a companion text Qualitative and Mixed Methods in Public Health (Sage, 2012). She is first author of Housing First: Ending Homelessness, Transforming Systems and Changing Lives (Oxford University Press, 2015) and has published extensively on mental health needs and service use of homeless adults and other underserved populations. Dr. Padgett was Principal Investigator on two NIMH-funded R01 grants, both qualitative studies of engagement and recovery among formerly homeless adults in supportive housing in New York City.  She served as President of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), culminating in the establishment of the SSWR "Deborah K. Padgett Early Career Award" in recognition of her contributions. She is a member of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare (AASWSW) and serves on its Board. In 2013, Dr. Padgett received New York University’s Distinguished Teaching Award.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Qualitative Methods in Context
Differences From and Similarities With Quantitative Methods
The Intellectual Life Course of Qualitative Methods
The Formative Years
The Rise of Quantification and Operationalism
Epistemological Differences Among Qualitative Researchers
The Pragmatic Middle Ground
Evidence-Based Practice and Implementation Science
Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks in Qualitative Inquiry
Some Are a Better Fit Than Others
Analytic Induction and Abduction: Nondeductive Thinking
The Importance of Concepts
The Place and Timing of Theories in Qualitative Studies
Reasons for Doing Qualitative Research
Desirable Qualities and Skills in the Qualitative Researcher-as-Instrument
Studying the Familiar Versus the Unfamiliar
Values and Social Responsibility in Qualitative Research
Introducing the New York Services Study (NYSS) and the New York Recovery Study (NYRS)
Chapter 2: Choosing the Right Qualitative Approach(es)
Six Primary Approaches in Qualitative Research
Ethnography
Grounded Theory
Case Study Analysis
Narrative Approaches
Phenomenological Analysis
Action and Community-Engaged Research
The Six Approaches Revisited: Change over Time
Mixing and Matching Qualitative Approaches: Risks and Benefits
Introducing Strategies for Rigor and Trustworthiness
Qualitative Methods in Program Evaluation and Implementation Research
Chapter 3: Designing the Study and Getting Started
Prologue: Addressing Ethical Considerations Early On
Flexible and Iterative Designs
Choosing the Topic and Making the Argument
Reviewing the Literature
Developing a Conceptual Framework
Formulating Research Questions
Designing the Study
Questions Posed (and Needing Answers) by Qualitative Research Designs
The Element of Time
Specific Aspects of Qualitative Designs
Using Multiple Qualitative Methods at Different Levels
Sampling and Selection Strategies
Sample Size Considerations
Recruiting and Retaining Study Participants
How Many Interviews? Issues of Quantity and Quality
Getting Permission(s) and Obtaining Rapport
Presentation of Self
Issues of Identity: Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity, and Social Class
Chapter 4: Ethical and Emotional Issues in Qualitative Research
Deception and Disclosure
Informed Consent
Coercion and “Deformed” Consent
Confidentiality and Privacy
Distress and Emotional Harm
Incentives, Payback, and Maintaining Goodwill
Institutional Review Boards and Qualitative Research
Dealing With Moral Ambiguity and Risk
Ethical Issues in Community-Engaged Research
Ethical Issues in Cross-National Research
Taking it Personally: Emotions in Qualitative Research
Socially Responsible Research as Ethical Research
Chapter 5: Data Collection: Observation, Interviewing and Use of Documents
Observation in Qualitative Studies
“Doing” Observation: The Best (and Only True) Way to Learn
Recording Observational Data
In-Depth Interviewing
Critiques of Interviewing: Realism and Authenticity
Informal Field Interviews
Focus Group Interviews
Individual Interviews
Linked Interviews
Interviewing Children and Other Vulnerable Populations
Key Informant, Elite, and Expert Interviews
Developing the Interview Guide
Elicitation Techniques in Qualitative Interviews
Interview Guides for Second (and Third) Interviews
A Few Guidelines for Starting Out
Conducting the Interview: The Importance of Probes
After the Interview
Matching Interviewers to Respondents: The Effects of Age, Gender, Race, and Other Characteristics
Common Problems and Errors in Qualitative Interviewing
Emotional Issues in Interviewing
Interviewing in a Non-English Language
Interviewing Across the Digital Landscape
Use of Audio and Video Recorders
Using Documents and Other Archival Materials
Ending Data Collection
Chapter 6: Data Analysis
Data Management: Dealing With Volume Early On
Using Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Software
Teams, Multiple Users, and Cross-Site Databases
Transcribing Interviews
Translating and Transcribing in a Non-English Language
Qualitative Data Analysis: Beginning The Search for Meaning
Case Summaries
Theories and Concepts in Qualitative Data Analysis
Data Analysis in Diverse Qualitative Approaches
Content Analysis
Ethnography and Data Analysis
Case Study Analysis
Data Analysis in Narrative Approaches
Phenomenological Analyses
Action and Community-Based Participatory Research
Analysis in Longitudinal Designs
Analyzing Visual Data
Coding
Varied Approaches to Coding and Co-Coding
Starting Out: Identifying Code-Worthy Material
Labeling Coded Material and Developing a Codebook
Documenting Coding Procedures
Comparing and Contrasting: Memo Writing as Forward Motion
Secondary Analyses of Qualitative Data
Hybrid and Mixed Qualitative Approaches
Chapter 7: Interpretation: Recognizing Salience
The Role of the Researcher(s)
Framing Devices to Assist in Interpretation
Using Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Software for Interpretation
Saturation
Bringing Theor(ies) In
An Example of a Conceptual Schema
Salience Through Absence: What is Not Said (or Seen)
Feminist and Other Critiques in Interpretation
Rhetorical Devices
Negative Case Analysis and Disconfirmation
The Six Approaches Revisited
Qualitative Meta-Synthesis as Meta-Interpretation
In Pursuit of Methodological Transparency
Chapter 8: Strategies for Rigor and Trustworthiness
Evaluating Qualitative Research: Standards and Strategies
Evaluative Criteria and External Standards
In the Eye of the Beholder?
Attending to Rigor and Trustworthiness
The Meaning(s) of Generalizability in Qualitative Methods
Threats to the Trustworthiness of Qualitative Studies
Strategies for Rigor in Qualitative Research
Prolonged Engagement
Triangulation of Data
Peer Debriefing and Support
Member Checking
Negative Case Analysis
Auditing—Leaving a Decision Trail
Strategies for Rigor Applied to the Six Qualitative Approaches
Dilemmas of Rigor in Action-Oriented Research
Appraising Quality: The Rise of Checklists, Criteria and Guidelines
In Search of the Big Tent: Balancing Rigor and Relevance
Chapter 9: Telling the Story: Writing the Qualitative Study
Preparing to Write: Key Decision Points
Identifying the Audience
The Researcher’s Role in the Report
Using Numbers in the Report
Authorship and Coauthorship Decisions
Authorship in and From Dissertations: A Negotiation With Few Rules
Organizing the Report—Key Components
Qualitative Reports Across the Diverse Approaches
Balancing Description and Interpretation
Writing Stance and Style
Rhetorical Devices Suited to Qualitative Studies
Writing Style: Rhythm and Grab
Use of Metaphors and Other Tropes
Challenges and Rewards of Publishing
Criteria for Review: The Qualitative Dilemma
Chapter 10: Mixed Methods
The Epistemology Question in Mixed Methods
The Rise of Mixed Methods and Their Rationale(s)
Integrating Mixed Methods
Types of Mixed Methods Designs
Sequential Designs
Concurrent Designs
Complicated Designs
Mixed Methods: Ways of Going About It
Structural and Design Decisions: What, When, and How?
Incorporating Existing Measures Into Qualitative Interviews
Quantifying Qualitative Data
Examples of Mixed Methods Studies: Implementation and Action Research
Writing the Mixed Methods Report
Challenges for Mixed Methods Studies
Mixed Method Approaches to Program and Practice Evaluation
Appendix: Writing a Qualitative Methods Proposal for External Funding
Finding the Right Fit With Funding Priorities
Getting Past the Catch–22
Setting the Stage
Questions From Proposal Reviewers
Budgeting Time and Resources
Twenty Tips for Writing the Proposal
References
Index
About the Author

Editorial Reviews

After explaining the origins of, reasons for using, and myths about qualitative research methods, Padgett (social work, New York U.) discusses "the researcher as instrument," practical considerations in getting started, ethical issues, methodological matters (including strategies for enhancing rigor), research combining qualitative and quantitative methods, and challenges at the individual and schools of social work levels. Appendices contain information on computer software for data analysis, and guidelines for writing a qualitative research proposal. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

Dr. Padgett’s text Qualitative Methods in Social Work Research is informative and easy for students to read and understand. The book offers clear advice to students about how to design and execute qualitative research studies.

Bruce Winston

Padgett is the ultimate ‘pro’ researcher, methods expert, and communicator. This is the one book you need for master's study, professional practice research, doctoral study, and your continuing research agenda!

Roberta Iversen

This book is a must for any social worker interested in qualitative research. With a style that it is exceptionally easy to read, it provides all the basics around theory, the practical "how-to's ", cautions/pitfalls and as well as plentiful examples to illustrate the concepts presented. It also provides information about additional readings and resources for an area you want to delve further. It will answer many, if not all, the questions you have about qualitative research. The book will make you excited about qualitative methods, and is so interesting and enjoyable to read, that I read it cover to cover in less than a week. I could barely put it down! There aren't a whole lot of other research books that can make that claim!

Donna S. Wang

Padgett uses her extensive experience to expertly achieve two seemingly contradictory ends: educate about the conceptual underpinnings of qualitative research methods, and provide the concrete steps needed to carry them out. As a research discipline that is often not fully understood by many, Qualitative Methods in Social Work Research will be appreciated by academics and students alike.

Jessica Toft

Padgett knows how to make students and even lecturers curious about qualitative methods and she copes in her book very well the gap between an overview and a deeper understanding of research methods.

Armin Schneider