Book description
This book invites readers to explore the nature of qualitative
research, and to recognise the varied and conflicting forms it can take.
It examines how these contrast with quantitative work, as well as how
they differ from journalism and imaginative literature. The book
describes various methodological philosophies that have shaped
qualitative work, as well as different types of orientation to be found
within it today. It offers clear definitions of key terms and concepts,
and also a detailed exploration of recent disputes among qualitative
researchers, with a view to showing how differences in practice relate
to underlying commitments. This book will be a vital resource for both
new and experienced researchers. Qualitative research has become a
vast and complex approach to understanding social life, riddled with
diversity and debate. Martyn Hammersley has, in this short text, managed
to introduce all of this complexity and diversity without baffling the
reader. It is an inspiring and exciting text, full of relevant examples
illustrating the diversity of qualitative research today. Written by an
undoubted authority in the field, this accessible book should whet the
appetite of any would-be qualitative researcher. -- Professor Karen
O'Reilly, Professor Of Sociology, University Of Loughborough This is a
well written, authoritative text on qualitative research, written by a
leading scholar in the field. The style is accessible without being
patronizing; it deals with both methodology and research practice; it
provides helpful definitions and typologies; it gives a sense of both
the distinctiveness and diversity of qualitative approaches to social
research. I enjoyed reading it. I think it will have a broad appeal to
those new to qualitative research, to students and to those working
within the field. In that sense it manages to be both introductory and
thought provoking. -- Professor Amanda Coffey, Cardiff University School
Of Social Sciences, UK Martyn Hammersley is Professor of Educational
and Social Research in the Centre for Childhood, Development and
Learning at The Open University, UK. His books include Taking Sides in
Social Research (1999), Questioning Qualitative Inquiry (2008), and
Methodology, Who Needs It? (2011).
