Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach / Edition 2

by Joseph a Maxwell

Overview

Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach, Second Edition provides researchers and students a user-friendly, step-by-step guide to planning qualitative research. A bestseller in its first edition, this invaluable book presents an innovative approach to the components of design and how they interact with each other. The text presents a clear strategy for creating coherent and workable relationships among these design components and highlights key design issues. Based on a course the author taught for seven years at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the work is written in an informal, jargon-free style and incorporates many examples and hands-on exercises. This edition includes new or substantially expanded discussions of: - Research paradigms - Defining a research problem - Site and participant selection - Relationships with research participants - Data analysis - Reliability and validity Qualitative Research Design presents a flexible, systemic model of design, which is perfect for designing studies and research proposals. Experienced researchers will welcome author Joseph A. Maxwell's refreshing approach and clear, direct style, and professors across the social sciences will find this an invaluable text for graduate research courses.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761926078
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	11/01/2004
Series:	Applied Social Research Methods , #41
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.70(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Joseph A. Maxwell is a Professor in the Graduate School of Education at George Mason University, where he teaches courses on research design and methods and on writing a dissertation proposal. He has published work on qualitative research and evaluation, mixed method research, sociocultural theory, Native American social organization, and medical education. He has also worked extensively in applied settings. He has presented seminars and workshops on teaching qualitative research methods and on using qualitative methods in various applied fields, and has been an invited speaker at conferences and universities in the United States, Puerto Rico, Europe, and China. He has a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Chicago.

Table of Contents

Preface
Preface to the First Edition
1. A Model for Qualitative Research Design
2. Goals: Why Are You Doing This Study?
3. Conceptual Framework: What Do You Think Is Going On?
4. Research Questions: What Do You Want to Understand?
5. Methods: What Will You Actually Do?
6. Validity: How Might You Be Wrong?
7. Research Proposals: Presenting and Justifying a Qualitative Study
Appendix: An Example of a Qualitative Proposal
References
Index
About the Author

Editorial Reviews

"The practical checklists, exercises, stories and scripts, together with the analogies with quantitative research, are extremely useful in helping both graduate students and novice researchers conduct qualitative research. Experienced researcher, too, can find the book helpful, especially in writing proposals for funding."

Comparative Book Review - Marzieh Tafaghodtari

"Nice, easy to read, step by step process-oriented text for undergrads."

Kim Powell

"Using sage advise and specific examples directly from his research methods courses and actual dissertation proposals, the author provides an easy-to-read guide to many of the design issues that often seem vague, mysterious, and daunting to novices when planning qualitative studies. Maxwell delivers on his promise to present "an approach to qualitative research design that both captures what qualitative researchers really do, and provides support and guidance for those embarking for the first time on designing a qualitative study ". He creatively uses folktales, movie plots, real-life examples, and the personal stories of graduate students to bring out his and the students' passions for qualitative research."

Karen Skibba

After teaching qualitative research design and methods for seven years at Harvard, Maxwell has come to the conclusion that thoughtful research design should precede proposal writing, a turn of events unique in conducting qualitative research. He presents his approach by defining what researchers really do, from constructing a theoretical framework and deciding on data collection methods to anticipating potential validity threats to a conclusion. Paper edition (unseen), $17.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

I really liked this book. I found myself taking notes and saying “yes” so many times because Maxwell captures the research process so well and provides many points worth quoting. As a faculty mentor, I particularly see the value of this book for my students who are conducting qualitative dissertations.

Mary S. Enright

The key strengths of the text are the passion and the enthusiasm that Dr. Maxwell has for qualitative research after all these years. I feel I can also utilize these concepts on my own research team and take them out of the classroom and into research team meetings with colleagues.”

Deborah Gioia

This book uses everyday language that will captivate students’ attention and embed practical knowledge to supplement the technical.”

Gaetane Jean-Marie

"Maxwell provides a clear explanation regarding the nuances involved in the circular process of qualitative research design."

Tracy M. Lara

"Maxwell provides a clear explanation regarding the nuances involved in the circular process of qualitative research design."--Tracy M. Lara

"I really liked this book. I found myself taking notes and saying "yes" so many times because Maxwell captures the research process so well and provides many points worth quoting. As a faculty mentor, I particularly see the value of this book for my students who are conducting qualitative dissertations."--Mary S. Enright

"The key strengths of the text are the passion and the enthusiasm that Dr. Maxwell has for qualitative research after all these years. I feel I can also utilize these concepts on my own research team and take them out of the classroom and into research team meetings with colleagues."

--Deborah Gioia

"This book uses everyday language that will captivate students' attention and embed practical knowledge to supplement the technical."

--Gaetane Jean-Marie

From the Publisher