Qualitative Research Practice: A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers

Why use qualitative methods? What kinds of questions can qualitative methods help you answer? How do you actually do rigorous and reflective qualitative research in the real world?  



Written by a team of leading researchers associated with NatCen Social Research (the National Centre for Social Research) this textbook leads students and researchers through the entire process of qualitative research from beginning to end - moving through design, sampling, data collection, analysis and reporting.   In this fully revised second edition you will find:

• A practical account of how to carry out qualitative research which recognises a range of current approaches and applications


• A brand new chapter on ethics


• A brand new chapter on observational research


• Updated advice on using software when analysing your qualitative data


• New case studies which illustrate issues you may encounter and how problems have been tackled by other researchers.  

This book is an ideal guide for students, practitioners and researchers faced with the challenges of doing qualitative research in both applied and academic settings in messy real-life contexts.

Available with Perusall—an eBook that makes it easier to prepare for class

Perusall is an award-winning eBook platform featuring social annotation tools that allow students and instructors to collaboratively mark up and discuss their SAGE textbook. Backed by research and supported by technological innovations developed at Harvard University, this process of learning through collaborative annotation keeps your students engaged and makes teaching easier and more effective. Learn more.