qualitative research books

• Search Menu

Sign in through your institution

• Browse content in Arts and Humanities
• Browse content in Archaeology
• Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Archaeology
• Archaeological Methodology and Techniques
• Archaeology by Region
• Archaeology of Religion
• Archaeology of Trade and Exchange
• Biblical Archaeology
• Contemporary and Public Archaeology
• Environmental Archaeology
• Historical Archaeology
• History and Theory of Archaeology
• Industrial Archaeology
• Landscape Archaeology
• Mortuary Archaeology
• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Underwater Archaeology
• Zooarchaeology
• Browse content in Architecture
• Architectural Structure and Design
• History of Architecture
• Residential and Domestic Buildings
• Theory of Architecture
• Browse content in Art
• Art Subjects and Themes
• History of Art
• Industrial and Commercial Art
• Theory of Art
• Biographical Studies
• Byzantine Studies
• Browse content in Classical Studies
• Classical Numismatics
• Classical Literature
• Classical Reception
• Classical History
• Classical Philosophy
• Classical Mythology
• Classical Art and Architecture
• Classical Oratory and Rhetoric
• Greek and Roman Papyrology
• Greek and Roman Archaeology
• Greek and Roman Epigraphy
• Greek and Roman Law
• Late Antiquity
• Religion in the Ancient World
• Social History
• Digital Humanities
• Browse content in History
• Colonialism and Imperialism
• Diplomatic History
• Environmental History
• Genealogy, Heraldry, Names, and Honours
• Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing
• Historical Geography
• History by Period
• History of Emotions
• History of Agriculture
• History of Education
• History of Gender and Sexuality
• Industrial History
• Intellectual History
• International History
• Labour History
• Legal and Constitutional History
• Local and Family History
• Maritime History
• Military History
• National Liberation and Post-Colonialism
• Oral History
• Political History
• Public History
• Regional and National History
• Revolutions and Rebellions
• Slavery and Abolition of Slavery
• Social and Cultural History
• Theory, Methods, and Historiography
• Urban History
• World History
• Browse content in Language Teaching and Learning
• Language Learning (Specific Skills)
• Language Teaching Theory and Methods
• Browse content in Linguistics
• Applied Linguistics
• Cognitive Linguistics
• Computational Linguistics
• Forensic Linguistics
• Grammar, Syntax and Morphology
• Historical and Diachronic Linguistics
• History of English
• Language Evolution
• Language Reference
• Language Variation
• Language Families
• Language Acquisition
• Lexicography
• Linguistic Anthropology
• Linguistic Theories
• Linguistic Typology
• Phonetics and Phonology
• Psycholinguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• Translation and Interpretation
• Writing Systems
• Browse content in Literature
• Bibliography
• Children's Literature Studies
• Literary Studies (Romanticism)
• Literary Studies (American)
• Literary Studies (Modernism)
• Literary Studies (Asian)
• Literary Studies (European)
• Literary Studies (Eco-criticism)
• Literary Studies - World
• Literary Studies (1500 to 1800)
• Literary Studies (19th Century)
• Literary Studies (20th Century onwards)
• Literary Studies (African American Literature)
• Literary Studies (British and Irish)
• Literary Studies (Early and Medieval)
• Literary Studies (Fiction, Novelists, and Prose Writers)
• Literary Studies (Gender Studies)
• Literary Studies (Graphic Novels)
• Literary Studies (History of the Book)
• Literary Studies (Plays and Playwrights)
• Literary Studies (Poetry and Poets)
• Literary Studies (Postcolonial Literature)
• Literary Studies (Queer Studies)
• Literary Studies (Science Fiction)
• Literary Studies (Travel Literature)
• Literary Studies (War Literature)
• Literary Studies (Women's Writing)
• Literary Theory and Cultural Studies
• Mythology and Folklore
• Shakespeare Studies and Criticism
• Browse content in Media Studies
• Browse content in Music
• Applied Music
• Dance and Music
• Ethics in Music
• Ethnomusicology
• Gender and Sexuality in Music
• Medicine and Music
• Music Cultures
• Music and Media
• Music and Culture
• Music and Religion
• Music Education and Pedagogy
• Music Theory and Analysis
• Musical Scores, Lyrics, and Libretti
• Musical Structures, Styles, and Techniques
• Musicology and Music History
• Performance Practice and Studies
• Race and Ethnicity in Music
• Sound Studies
• Browse content in Performing Arts
• Browse content in Philosophy
• Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art
• Epistemology
• Feminist Philosophy
• History of Western Philosophy
• Metaphysics
• Moral Philosophy
• Non-Western Philosophy
• Philosophy of Language
• Philosophy of Mind
• Philosophy of Perception
• Philosophy of Action
• Philosophy of Law
• Philosophy of Religion
• Philosophy of Science
• Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic
• Practical Ethics
• Social and Political Philosophy
• Browse content in Religion
• Biblical Studies
• Christianity
• East Asian Religions
• History of Religion
• Judaism and Jewish Studies
• Qumran Studies
• Religion and Education
• Religion and Health
• Religion and Politics
• Religion and Science
• Religion and Law
• Religion and Art, Literature, and Music
• Religious Studies
• Browse content in Society and Culture
• Cookery, Food, and Drink
• Cultural Studies
• Customs and Traditions
• Ethical Issues and Debates
• Hobbies, Games, Arts and Crafts
• Natural world, Country Life, and Pets
• Popular Beliefs and Controversial Knowledge
• Sports and Outdoor Recreation
• Technology and Society
• Travel and Holiday
• Visual Culture
• Browse content in Law
• Arbitration
• Browse content in Company and Commercial Law
• Commercial Law
• Company Law
• Browse content in Comparative Law
• Systems of Law
• Competition Law
• Browse content in Constitutional and Administrative Law
• Government Powers
• Judicial Review
• Local Government Law
• Military and Defence Law
• Parliamentary and Legislative Practice
• Construction Law
• Contract Law
• Browse content in Criminal Law
• Criminal Procedure
• Criminal Evidence Law
• Sentencing and Punishment
• Employment and Labour Law
• Environment and Energy Law
• Browse content in Financial Law
• Banking Law
• Insolvency Law
• History of Law
• Human Rights and Immigration
• Intellectual Property Law
• Browse content in International Law
• Private International Law and Conflict of Laws
• Public International Law
• IT and Communications Law
• Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law
• Law and Society
• Law and Politics
• Browse content in Legal System and Practice
• Courts and Procedure
• Legal Skills and Practice
• Primary Sources of Law
• Regulation of Legal Profession
• Medical and Healthcare Law
• Browse content in Policing
• Criminal Investigation and Detection
• Police and Security Services
• Police Procedure and Law
• Police Regional Planning
• Browse content in Property Law
• Personal Property Law
• Study and Revision
• Terrorism and National Security Law
• Browse content in Trusts Law
• Wills and Probate or Succession
• Browse content in Medicine and Health
• Browse content in Allied Health Professions
• Arts Therapies
• Clinical Science
• Dietetics and Nutrition
• Occupational Therapy
• Operating Department Practice
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Browse content in Anaesthetics
• General Anaesthesia
• Neuroanaesthesia
• Clinical Neuroscience
• Browse content in Clinical Medicine
• Acute Medicine
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Clinical Genetics
• Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology and Diabetes
• Gastroenterology
• Genito-urinary Medicine
• Geriatric Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Toxicology
• Medical Oncology
• Pain Medicine
• Palliative Medicine
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonology
• Rheumatology
• Sleep Medicine
• Sports and Exercise Medicine
• Community Medical Services
• Critical Care
• Emergency Medicine
• Forensic Medicine
• Haematology
• History of Medicine
• Browse content in Medical Skills
• Clinical Skills
• Communication Skills
• Nursing Skills
• Surgical Skills
• Medical Ethics
• Browse content in Medical Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Paediatric Dentistry
• Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontics
• Surgical Dentistry
• Medical Statistics and Methodology
• Browse content in Neurology
• Clinical Neurophysiology
• Neuropathology
• Nursing Studies
• Browse content in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Gynaecology
• Occupational Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology (ENT)
• Browse content in Paediatrics
• Neonatology
• Browse content in Pathology
• Chemical Pathology
• Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics
• Histopathology
• Medical Microbiology and Virology
• Patient Education and Information
• Browse content in Pharmacology
• Psychopharmacology
• Browse content in Popular Health
• Caring for Others
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Self-help and Personal Development
• Browse content in Preclinical Medicine
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Reproduction, Growth and Development
• Primary Care
• Professional Development in Medicine
• Browse content in Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Learning Disabilities
• Old Age Psychiatry
• Psychotherapy
• Browse content in Public Health and Epidemiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Browse content in Radiology
• Clinical Radiology
• Interventional Radiology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiation Oncology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Browse content in Surgery
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Gastro-intestinal and Colorectal Surgery
• General Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Paediatric Surgery
• Peri-operative Care
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Transplant Surgery
• Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Browse content in Science and Mathematics
• Browse content in Biological Sciences
• Aquatic Biology
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Ecology and Conservation
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Microbiology
• Molecular and Cell Biology
• Natural History
• Plant Sciences and Forestry
• Research Methods in Life Sciences
• Structural Biology
• Systems Biology
• Zoology and Animal Sciences
• Browse content in Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry
• Crystallography
• Environmental Chemistry
• Industrial Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Mineralogy and Gems
• Organic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Study and Communication Skills in Chemistry
• Theoretical Chemistry
• Browse content in Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Architecture and Logic Design
• Game Studies
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Mathematical Theory of Computation
• Programming Languages
• Software Engineering
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Virtual Reality
• Browse content in Computing
• Business Applications
• Computer Games
• Computer Security
• Computer Networking and Communications
• Digital Lifestyle
• Graphical and Digital Media Applications
• Operating Systems
• Browse content in Earth Sciences and Geography
• Atmospheric Sciences
• Environmental Geography
• Geology and the Lithosphere
• Maps and Map-making
• Meteorology and Climatology
• Oceanography and Hydrology
• Palaeontology
• Physical Geography and Topography
• Regional Geography
• Soil Science
• Urban Geography
• Browse content in Engineering and Technology
• Agriculture and Farming
• Biological Engineering
• Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Building
• Electronics and Communications Engineering
• Energy Technology
• Engineering (General)
• Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology
• History of Engineering and Technology
• Mechanical Engineering and Materials
• Technology of Industrial Chemistry
• Transport Technology and Trades
• Browse content in Environmental Science
• Applied Ecology (Environmental Science)
• Conservation of the Environment (Environmental Science)
• Environmental Sustainability
• Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Environmental Science)
• Management of Land and Natural Resources (Environmental Science)
• Natural Disasters (Environmental Science)
• Nuclear Issues (Environmental Science)
• Pollution and Threats to the Environment (Environmental Science)
• Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Environmental Science)
• History of Science and Technology
• Browse content in Materials Science
• Ceramics and Glasses
• Composite Materials
• Metals, Alloying, and Corrosion
• Nanotechnology
• Browse content in Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Biomathematics and Statistics
• History of Mathematics
• Mathematical Education
• Mathematical Finance
• Mathematical Analysis
• Numerical and Computational Mathematics
• Probability and Statistics
• Pure Mathematics
• Browse content in Neuroscience
• Cognition and Behavioural Neuroscience
• Development of the Nervous System
• Disorders of the Nervous System
• History of Neuroscience
• Invertebrate Neurobiology
• Molecular and Cellular Systems
• Neuroendocrinology and Autonomic Nervous System
• Neuroscientific Techniques
• Sensory and Motor Systems
• Browse content in Physics
• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Biological and Medical Physics
• Classical Mechanics
• Computational Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Electromagnetism, Optics, and Acoustics
• History of Physics
• Mathematical and Statistical Physics
• Measurement Science
• Nuclear Physics
• Particles and Fields
• Plasma Physics
• Quantum Physics
• Relativity and Gravitation
• Semiconductor and Mesoscopic Physics
• Browse content in Psychology
• Affective Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Criminal and Forensic Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Evolutionary Psychology
• Health Psychology
• History and Systems in Psychology
• Music Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Organizational Psychology
• Psychological Assessment and Testing
• Psychology of Human-Technology Interaction
• Psychology Professional Development and Training
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Browse content in Social Sciences
• Browse content in Anthropology
• Anthropology of Religion
• Human Evolution
• Medical Anthropology
• Physical Anthropology
• Regional Anthropology
• Social and Cultural Anthropology
• Theory and Practice of Anthropology
• Browse content in Business and Management
• Business Ethics
• Business History
• Business Strategy
• Business and Technology
• Business and Government
• Business and the Environment
• Comparative Management
• Corporate Governance
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Entrepreneurship
• Health Management
• Human Resource Management
• Industrial and Employment Relations
• Industry Studies
• Information and Communication Technologies
• International Business
• Knowledge Management
• Management and Management Techniques
• Operations Management
• Organizational Theory and Behaviour
• Pensions and Pension Management
• Public and Nonprofit Management
• Social Issues in Business and Management
• Strategic Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Browse content in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Criminal Justice
• Criminology
• Forms of Crime
• International and Comparative Criminology
• Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice
• Development Studies
• Browse content in Economics
• Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Resource Economics
• Asian Economics
• Behavioural Finance
• Behavioural Economics and Neuroeconomics
• Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
• Economic History
• Economic Methodology
• Economic Systems
• Economic Development and Growth
• Financial Markets
• Financial Institutions and Services
• General Economics and Teaching
• Health, Education, and Welfare
• History of Economic Thought
• International Economics
• Labour and Demographic Economics
• Law and Economics
• Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics
• Microeconomics
• Public Economics
• Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics
• Welfare Economics
• Browse content in Education
• Adult Education and Continuous Learning
• Care and Counselling of Students
• Early Childhood and Elementary Education
• Educational Equipment and Technology
• Educational Strategies and Policy
• Higher and Further Education
• Organization and Management of Education
• Philosophy and Theory of Education
• Schools Studies
• Secondary Education
• Teaching of a Specific Subject
• Teaching of Specific Groups and Special Educational Needs
• Teaching Skills and Techniques
• Browse content in Environment
• Applied Ecology (Social Science)
• Climate Change
• Conservation of the Environment (Social Science)
• Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Social Science)
• Management of Land and Natural Resources (Social Science)
• Natural Disasters (Environment)
• Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Social Science)
• Sustainability
• Browse content in Human Geography
• Cultural Geography
• Economic Geography
• Political Geography
• Browse content in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Communication Studies
• Museums, Libraries, and Information Sciences
• Browse content in Politics
• African Politics
• Asian Politics
• Chinese Politics
• Comparative Politics
• Conflict Politics
• Elections and Electoral Studies
• Environmental Politics
• Ethnic Politics
• European Union
• Foreign Policy
• Gender and Politics
• Human Rights and Politics
• Indian Politics
• International Relations
• International Organization (Politics)
• International Political Economy
• Irish Politics
• Latin American Politics
• Middle Eastern Politics
• Political Behaviour
• Political Economy
• Political Institutions
• Political Theory
• Political Methodology
• Political Communication
• Political Philosophy
• Political Sociology
• Politics and Law
• Politics of Development
• Public Policy
• Public Administration
• Qualitative Political Methodology
• Quantitative Political Methodology
• Regional Political Studies
• Russian Politics
• Security Studies
• State and Local Government
• UK Politics
• US Politics
• Browse content in Regional and Area Studies
• African Studies
• Asian Studies
• East Asian Studies
• Japanese Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Native American Studies
• Scottish Studies
• Browse content in Research and Information
• Research Methods
• Browse content in Social Work
• Addictions and Substance Misuse
• Adoption and Fostering
• Care of the Elderly
• Child and Adolescent Social Work
• Couple and Family Social Work
• Direct Practice and Clinical Social Work
• Emergency Services
• Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
• International and Global Issues in Social Work
• Mental and Behavioural Health
• Social Justice and Human Rights
• Social Policy and Advocacy
• Social Work and Crime and Justice
• Social Work Macro Practice
• Social Work Practice Settings
• Social Work Research and Evidence-based Practice
• Welfare and Benefit Systems
• Browse content in Sociology
• Childhood Studies
• Community Development
• Comparative and Historical Sociology
• Economic Sociology
• Gender and Sexuality
• Gerontology and Ageing
• Health, Illness, and Medicine
• Marriage and the Family
• Migration Studies
• Occupations, Professions, and Work
• Organizations
• Population and Demography
• Race and Ethnicity
• Social Theory
• Social Movements and Social Change
• Social Research and Statistics
• Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
• Sociology of Religion
• Sociology of Education
• Sport and Leisure
• Urban and Rural Studies
• Browse content in Warfare and Defence
• Defence Strategy, Planning, and Research
• Land Forces and Warfare
• Military Administration
• Military Life and Institutions
• Naval Forces and Warfare
• Other Warfare and Defence Issues
• Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
• Weapons and Equipment

The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research

Patricia Leavy Independent Scholar Kennebunk, ME, USA

A newer edition of this book is available.

• Cite Icon Cite
• Permissions Icon Permissions

This handbook provides a broad introduction to qualitative research to those with little to no background in the subject while simultaneously providing substantive contributions to the field that will be of interest to even the most experienced researchers. The first two sections explore the history of qualitative research, ethical perspectives, and philosophical/theoretical approaches. The next three sections focus on the major methods of qualitative practice, as well as on newer approaches (such as arts-based research and internet research); area studies often excluded (such as museum studies and disaster studies); and mixed methods and participatory methods (such as community-based research). The next section covers key issues including data analysis, interpretation, writing, and assessment. The final section offers a commentary about politics and research and the move toward public scholarship. The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research is intended for students of all levels, faculty, and researchers across the social sciences.

Personal account

• Sign in with email/username & password
• Get email alerts
• Save searches
• Purchase content
• Activate your purchase/trial code
• Add your ORCID iD

Institutional access

Sign in with a library card.

• Sign in with username/password
• Recommend to your librarian
• Institutional account management
• Get help with access

Access to content on Oxford Academic is often provided through institutional subscriptions and purchases. If you are a member of an institution with an active account, you may be able to access content in one of the following ways:

IP based access

Typically, access is provided across an institutional network to a range of IP addresses. This authentication occurs automatically, and it is not possible to sign out of an IP authenticated account.

Choose this option to get remote access when outside your institution. Shibboleth/Open Athens technology is used to provide single sign-on between your institution’s website and Oxford Academic.

• Click Sign in through your institution.
• Select your institution from the list provided, which will take you to your institution's website to sign in.
• When on the institution site, please use the credentials provided by your institution. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.
• Following successful sign in, you will be returned to Oxford Academic.

If your institution is not listed or you cannot sign in to your institution’s website, please contact your librarian or administrator.

Enter your library card number to sign in. If you cannot sign in, please contact your librarian.

Society Members

Society member access to a journal is achieved in one of the following ways:

Sign in through society site

Many societies offer single sign-on between the society website and Oxford Academic. If you see ‘Sign in through society site’ in the sign in pane within a journal:

• Click Sign in through society site.
• When on the society site, please use the credentials provided by that society. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.

If you do not have a society account or have forgotten your username or password, please contact your society.

Sign in using a personal account

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members. See below.

A personal account can be used to get email alerts, save searches, purchase content, and activate subscriptions.

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members.

Viewing your signed in accounts

Click the account icon in the top right to:

• View your signed in personal account and access account management features.
• View the institutional accounts that are providing access.

Signed in but can't access content

Oxford Academic is home to a wide variety of products. The institutional subscription may not cover the content that you are trying to access. If you believe you should have access to that content, please contact your librarian.

For librarians and administrators, your personal account also provides access to institutional account management. Here you will find options to view and activate subscriptions, manage institutional settings and access options, access usage statistics, and more.

Our books are available by subscription or purchase to libraries and institutions.

• About Oxford Academic
• Publish journals with us
• University press partners
• What we publish
• New features  
• Open access
• Rights and permissions
• Accessibility
• Advertising
• Media enquiries
• Oxford University Press
• Oxford Languages
• University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

• Copyright © 2024 Oxford University Press
• Cookie settings
• Cookie policy
• Privacy policy
• Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

• Find My Rep

You are here

The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research

• Norman K. Denzin - University of Illinois, Urbana - Champaign, USA
• Yvonna S. Lincoln - Texas A&M University, USA
• Description
• Author(s) / Editor(s)

Preview this book

Sample materials & chapters, norman k. denzin.

Norman K. Denzin is Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Communications, College of Communications Scholar, and Research Professor of Communications, Sociology, and Humanities at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA. One of the world’s foremost authorities on qualitative research and cultural criticism, he is the author or editor of more than 30 books, including The Qualitative Manifesto; Qualitative Inquiry Under Fire; Reading Race; Interpretive Ethnography; The Cinematic Society; The Alcoholic Self; and a trilogy on the American West. He is past editor of The Sociological Quarterly, co-editor of six editions of the... More About Author

Yvonna S. Lincoln

Yvonna S. Lincoln is Professor Emerita at Texas A&M University, where she held the Ruth Harrington Chair of Educational Leadership and was Distinguished Professor of Higher Education. She is the coeditor of the journal Qualitative Inquiry, coeditor of the first through six editions of The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research, and coeditor of The SAGE Handbook of Critical and Indigenous Methodologies. As well, she is the coauthor, editor, or coeditor of more than a half dozen other books and volumes. She has served as the President of the Association for the Study of Higher Education and the American Evaluation Research Association,... More About Author

Purchasing options

Please select a format:

Order from:

• Buy from SAGE

Related Products

• Technical Support
• Find My Rep

You are here

The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research Quality

• Uwe Flick - Freie Universtität Berlin, Germany
• Description

This Sage Handbook presents an interdisciplinary collection of chapters exploring how to assess the quality of collecting and analysing qualitative data, while maintaining a focus on diversity, digital and critical approaches. The Handbook considers essential questions such as  what  is good qualitative research? What makes qualitative research  good  research? And, how can we make qualitative research  better  research? Contributions come from a wide array of experts, and highlight answers to questions from various disciplinary and geographical areas; from mixed methods to multimodal and online research, from specific types of data and methods to specific target groups, and from theoretical and epistemological contexts to those where funding has an impact on how research is done and assessed.

Qualitative research has evolved in many respects in recent decades and has grown increasingly multidisciplinary. Research in general is facing new challenges around how to take diversity and decolonisation into account in what researchers do, as well as how to produce and communicate qualitative research quality. This Handbook offers a timely overview of such developments, and will support researchers involved in planning, designing, doing and evaluating qualitative research in developing an increased sensitivity for contemporary debates and challenges in the field.

Part I Philosophies and Epistemologies of Qualitative Research Quality

Part II Disciplinary Discourses of Qualitative Research Quality

Part III Qualitative Research Quality for Specific Approaches

Part IV Rethinking Qualitative Research Quality for Specific Methods and Data

Part V Rethinking Strategies for Quality in Qualitative Research

Part VI Rethinking Criteria for Quality in Qualitative Research

Part VII Extending Contexts and Challenges for Qualitative Research Quality

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

For assistance with your order: Please email us at [email protected] or connect with your SAGE representative.

SAGE 2455 Teller Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 www.sagepub.com

Preview this book

Select a purchasing option.

This title is also available on SAGE Knowledge , the ultimate social sciences online library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial .

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Don't Miss a Post! Subscribe

• Book Summaries
• Books for Teachers
• Research Methodology Books
• Themed Book Lists
• Beyond Books

Selected Reads

A blog for bibliophiles covering everything related to books from reviews and summaries to quotes and open articles.

12 Good Books on Qualitative Research

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Published: June 20, 2023 | Updated: June 6, 2024

In today’s list, I am sharing with you some of the most impactful books that helped shape my understanding of qualitative research. These books are more than just academic texts; they are powerful tools that unlocked the secrets of data analysis, the art of crafting impactful narratives, and the science of asking the right questions.

Of all the wonderful resources listed, if I had to recommend just one indispensable guide, it would undoubtedly be John W. Creswell’s “ Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches “. This book offers an invaluable roadmap for any researcher, irrespective of their level of expertise, and forms the backbone of a successful research project. Creswell’s ingenious blend of methodologies is not just about theoretical knowledge; it instills the reader with a practical sense of how to design a robust and compelling research project.

For those of you interested in quantitative research, make sure to check out my other post entitled best books on quantitative research .

Books on Qualitative Research

Here are my picks for best books on qualitative research:

1. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, by John W. Creswell and J. David Creswell

This widely recognized book offers a comprehensive study of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methodologies. Its distinguishing feature is its juxtaposition of all three research designs, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced researchers. The authors provide a meticulous guide that starts with a fundamental understanding of philosophical suppositions, essential aspects of the research process, literature review, theory application in research, and the significance of writing and ethics in academic inquiry.

The updated edition includes a detailed discussion on research proposal design and research study steps. It sheds light on the positioning of epistemological and ontological views in relation to the selected research question and methodology. It also delves into the transformative worldview and features expanded insights into case studies, participatory action research, visual methods, and action research in mixed methods.

Find it:  Amazon  |  Bookshop

2. The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research, by Norman K. Denzin, Yvonna S. Lincoln, Michael D. Giardina, Gaile S. Cannella (Editors)

The Sixth Edition of The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research is virtually a new volume, delivering an enriching dialogue on the discipline, practices, and conduct of qualitative inquiry. This edition pioneers fresh perspectives and techniques, with 27 out of 34 chapters focused on innovative topics or approaches not covered in the previous version.

The novel areas of study include intersectionality, critical disability research, postcolonial and decolonized knowledge, diffraction and intra-action, and social media methodologies. Other new chapters explore thematic analysis, collaborative inquiry from the borderlands, qualitative inquiry’s relationship with public health science, co-production and the politics of impact, qualitative research publishing, and academic survival.

3. Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation, by Sharan B. Merriam, Elizabeth J. Tisdell

The fourth edition of this bestselling guide provides an in-depth understanding of qualitative research, from conceptualization to presentation. Emphasizing the importance of theoretical frameworks in designing a study, the book offers practical guidance in an accessible, jargon-free style that caters to both new and seasoned researchers.

The latest edition includes expanded coverage of mixed methods, action research, arts-based research, and online data sources. It also presents the newest developments in data analysis, encompassing both software packages and narrative and poetic analysis techniques. In addition, it offers a new section on diverse ways of presenting qualitative research findings, making it an indispensable resource for effective communication of results.

4. Qualitative Research from Start to Finish , by Robert K. Yin

This insightful book offers a comprehensive understanding of the practice of qualitative research. It guides readers through all significant research phases, from startup and design to data collection, analysis, and composition, covering newly emerging trends in the field. The unique aspect of the book is its portrayal of qualitative research as an adaptive craft, offering readers an array of methodological choices to tailor their studies according to different worldviews and genres.

The new edition provides an enhanced discussion on different worldviews, including constructivism, postpositivism, and pragmatism, and how these relate to methodological choices. There is a clearer emphasis on executing a generalized qualitative study while acknowledging the existence of 12 specialized genres, such as action-based research, arts-based research, autoethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology, and others. The book also features expanded discussions of diverse qualitative study samples and mixed methods.

5. Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach, by Joseph A. Maxwell

Joseph A. Maxwell’s third edition of Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach offers a user-friendly, step-by-step guide to planning qualitative research. The book’s main strength is its interactive approach, which highlights the interplay among the various components of research design.

The author provides a strategic framework for creating coherent and viable relationships among these components, emphasizing key design issues. The book’s language is informal and free of heavy jargon, making it accessible to a broad range of readers.

The book is sprinkled with real-world examples and hands-on exercises designed to reinforce the concepts discussed and to provide practical insights into the planning and execution of qualitative research. This comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource for both students and researchers embarking on their qualitative research journey.

Find it:  Amazon  |  Bookshop

6. Qualitative Research: Bridging the Conceptual, Theoretical, and Methodological, by Sharon M. Ravitch, Nicole Mittenfelner Carl

The second edition of Qualitative Research emphasizes the harmonization of theoretical, methodological, and conceptual dimensions, providing deeper insights into their interplay in qualitative research. This comprehensive resource equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct rigorous, valid, and respectful qualitative research.

The book serves as an effective learning tool for both newcomers and those already familiar with qualitative research, helping students develop a comprehensive understanding of a research approach that seeks, designs for, and engages in criticality.

The new edition has amplified and relocated the discussion on research ethics to a prominent position, reflecting its importance in students’ inquiry. It offers more insights on reflexivity in data collection and specific methods for qualitative data collection. There is a more detailed chapter on coding and other types of qualitative data analysis. Additionally, the resource sections have been expanded, including links to the comprehensive appendices to further aid students on their qualitative research journey.

7. Qualitative Research , by David Silverman (Editor)

This edition of Qualitative Research serves as a comprehensive guide, providing students with a holistic view of qualitative research. It not only explains the rationale behind such research but also provides practical advice on how to get started, select appropriate methods, conduct research, and perform data analysis. Each chapter, akin to a masterclass from a leading scholar in qualitative research, comes with practical tips, summaries, exercises, and further reading to assist in understanding and application.

The fourth edition has been streamlined to guide readers through the research process in a step-by-step manner. A significant new section with four chapters has been added, focusing on the collection and analysis of online data. A new chapter on reflexive ethnography is also included, offering insights into this nuanced qualitative research method.

8. Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design , by John W. Creswell, Cheryl N. Poth

The revised Fourth Edition of this best-selling text is a comprehensive exploration of the philosophical foundations, historical development, and crucial elements of five qualitative inquiry approaches: narrative research, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study.

The Fourth Edition is enhanced with new content, articles, pedagogical features, and references. It provides a broader discussion on research ethics and serves as an excellent introduction to the theories, strategies, and practices of qualitative inquiry. This book is an ideal resource for those embarking on their qualitative research journey, offering nuanced understanding and practical strategies for choosing among these five significant approaches in qualitative research.

9. Qualitative Research Methods, by Sarah J. Tracy

This comprehensive guide brings together both theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of qualitative research in a way that is engaging and accessible. The book adopts a phronetic-iterative approach, leading readers through every phase of a qualitative research project, from design to data collection and analysis, through to theory development and effective communication of results.

The book provides in-depth coverage of a variety of topics, including qualitative theories, research ethics, sampling techniques, interviewing methods, and ensuring quality in qualitative research. Practical advice on fieldwork is also included, offering clear and concise guidance on how to design and conduct robust research projects.

Find it:  Amazon  |  Bookshop

10. Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods, by Michael Quinn Patton

Drawing from over 40 years of applied social science research and program evaluation experience, author Michael Quinn Patton presents the most systematic and comprehensive book on qualitative research and evaluation methods available. In this fourth edition, he offers a more balanced view of applied research and evaluation.

The book shines a light on all facets of qualitative inquiry, using new examples, stories, cartoons, and over a hundred new summarizing and synthesizing exhibits. For the first time, it includes full case studies that illustrate extended research and evaluation examples. Additionally, each chapter contains an in-depth “rumination” about a core issue of persistent debate and controversy, which is intended to be both emphatic and engaging.

12. Qualitative Data Collection Tools, by Felice D. Billups

This unique supplementary text guides students and new researchers to design, develop, and apply qualitative tools to gather qualitative data. This essential aspect of qualitative research, often overlooked in general textbooks, forms the backbone of the data collection process. Felice D. Billups uses her experience as a qualitative researcher and in teaching and advising students about qualitative research to develop the templates in this book as a starting point for those conducting original qualitative research.

The book briefly describes each method of data collection and offers readers suggestions for using and adapting the qualitative instrument templates within the text. The text is filled with templates for interview protocols, focus group moderator guides, content analysis tools, document analysis tools, reflective questionnaires, diary and journal logs, and observational rubrics.

Final thoughts

If you’re new to qualitative, consider this list your foundational toolkit. And for seasoned researchers, may these books provide fresh insights or perhaps remind you of important tenets you may have forgotten. The beauty of qualitative research is its ever-evolving nature, and these books offer lenses through which you can appreciate its many facets.

And don’t just stop at qualitative research. If your work leans into the quantitative side of things, make sure to circle back to my other post on the best books for quantitative research . It’s all about having a well-rounded toolset, right?

Related Posts

Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

Join our mailing list

Subscribe to our email list for bite-sized book summaries, curated recommendations, and exclusive content.

Essentials of Descriptive-Interpretive Qualitative Research

Robert elliott and ladislav timulak.

This practical, step-by-step guide explains the most important principles for using a generic approach to descriptive-interpretive qualitative research. This book offers a no-nonsense, step-by-step approach to qualitative research in psychology and related fields, presenting principles for using a generic approach to descriptive-interpretive qualitative research. Based on more than 50 years of combined experience doing qualitative research on psychotherapy, the authors offer an overarching framework of best research practices common to a wide range of approaches.

750 First Street NE Washington, DC 20002 www.apa.org | [email protected]

Terms of Use | Privacy Statement ©2023 American Psychological Association. All Rights Reserved.

Essentials of Qualitative Methods Series

Essentials of narrative analysis, ruthellen josselson and phillip l. hammack.

In this book, Ruthellen Josselson and Phillip L. Hammack introduce readers to narrative analysis, a qualitative method that investigates how people make meaning of their lives and experiences in both social and cultural contexts. This method offers researchers a window into how individuals’ stories are shaped by the categories they inhabit, such as gender, race, class, and sexual identity, and it preserves the voice of the individual through a close textual analysis of their storytelling.

Essentials of Autoethnography

Christopher n. poulos.

In this step-by-step guide to writing autoethnography, Christopher Poulos provides a step-by-step guide to writing autoethnography, illustrating its essential features and practices with excerpts from his own and others’ work. 

Essentials of Critical-Constructivist Grounded Theory Research

Heidi m. levitt.

This practical, step-by-step guide explains how to use critical-constructivist grounded theory methods, a flexible approach to investigating topics within psychological, interpersonal, and sociocultural contexts. This flexible approach can aid researchers in investigating topics within psychological, interpersonal, and sociocultural contexts.

Essentials of Ideal-Type Analysis

Emily stapley, sally o'keeffe, and nicholas j. midgley.

This book explains how to conduct a qualitative research study using ideal-type analysis, an ideal method for studying individual cases in depth but also understanding patterns across multiple study participants. Essentials of Ideal-Type Analysis is the perfect guide for qualitative researchers who want to explore individual cases in depth, but also understand patterns across multiple study participants. Ideal-type analysis is a method for forming typologies from qualitative data.

Essentials of Discursive Psychology

Linda m. mcmullen.

In this step-by-step guide to conducting a research study, Linda McMullen describes the innovative ways in which discursive psychology analyzes language at both the micro and macro levels. Discursive psychologists reconceptualize talk and text as being situated in a social context, rather than thinking of talk as a route to our thoughts. For example, this approach could be used to study how people use arguments for and against the notion of human-induced climate change, or how they criticize each other in face-to-face encounters. Discursive psychologists reconceptualize talk and text as being situated in a social context, rather than thinking of talk as a route to our thoughts. For example, this approach could be used to study how people use arguments for and against the notion of human-induced climate change, or how they criticize each other in face-to-face encounters.

Essentials of Consensual Qualitative Research

Clara e. hill and sarah knox.

This concise, practical guide provides step-by-step advice and tips on how to plan and conduct a consensual qualitative research study. In this volume, Clara E. Hill and Sarah Knox describe consensual qualitative research (CQR), an inductive method characterized by open-ended interview questions, small samples, a reliance on words over numbers, the importance of context, an integration of multiple viewpoints (for example, the consensus of the research team and auditors), and a high emphasis on rigor and replicability.

Essentials of Existential Phenomenological Research

Scott d. churchill.

In this book, Scott D. Churchill introduces readers to existential phenomenological research, an approach that seeks an in-depth, embodied understanding of subjective human existence that reflects a person’s values, purposes, ideals, intentions, emotions, and relationships. This method helps researchers understand the lives and needs of others by helping identify and set aside theoretical and ideological prejudgments.

Essentials of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Jonathan a. smith and isabella e. nizza.

Essentials of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis is a step-by-step guide to a research method that investigates how people make sense of their lived experience in the context of their personal and social worlds. It is especially well-suited to exploring experiences perceived as highly significant, such as major life and relationship changes, health challenges, and other emotion-laden events.

Essentials of Critical Participatory Action Research

Michelle fine and maría elena torre.

In this book, Michelle Fine and María Elena Torre provide an introduction to critical participatory action research, an approach that reveals the everyday stories of struggle and survival of the persons being studied, combats social injustice, and leverages social science research for action. Critical participatory action research challenges the traditional and narrow ways in which research has been conducted and elevates the voices and perspectives of formerly marginalized groups.

Essentials of Thematic Analysis

Gareth terry and nikki hayfield.

In this book, Gareth Terry and Nikki Hayfield introduce readers to reflexive thematic analysis, a method of analyzing interview and focus group transcripts, qualitative survey responses, and other qualitative data. Central to this method is the recognition that we are all situated in a particular context, and that we see and speak from that position. This leads researchers to produce knowledge that represents situated truths, providing insights into people’s perspectives on a given topic.

Essentials of Conversation Analysis

Alexa hepburn and jonathan potter.

In this book, Alexa Hepburn and Jonathan Potter provide an introduction to conversation analysis, a qualitative approach that examines the actions and interactions that take place in face-to-face conversations, phone calls, texts, and various forms of media. The book is designed as a practical analytic handbook that provides a comprehensive introduction to the different elements and phases in analyzing conversation. The authors guide the reader through data collection, transcription, analysis, and writing papers, providing an invaluable starting point for researchers who wish to explore conversation analysis and get a foothold in its literature.

Essentials of Qualitative Meta-Analysis

Ladislav timulak and mary creaner.

This book is a step-by-step guide to conducting qualitative meta-analysis (QMA). This flexible and generic method synthesizes the findings of several research studies investigating similar phenomena. Given the ever-increasing number of qualitative studies in the social sciences, QMA answers the need for rigorous secondary analysis that offers a more conclusive picture of a field of inquiry.

We’re fighting to restore access to 500,000+ books in court this week. Join us!

Send me an email reminder

By submitting, you agree to receive donor-related emails from the Internet Archive. Your privacy is important to us. We do not sell or trade your information with anyone.

Internet Archive Audio

• This Just In
• Grateful Dead
• Old Time Radio
• 78 RPMs and Cylinder Recordings
• Audio Books & Poetry
• Computers, Technology and Science
• Music, Arts & Culture
• News & Public Affairs
• Spirituality & Religion
• Radio News Archive

• Flickr Commons
• Occupy Wall Street Flickr
• NASA Images
• Solar System Collection
• Ames Research Center

• All Software
• Old School Emulation
• MS-DOS Games
• Historical Software
• Classic PC Games
• Software Library
• Kodi Archive and Support File
• Vintage Software
• CD-ROM Software
• CD-ROM Software Library
• Software Sites
• Tucows Software Library
• Shareware CD-ROMs
• Software Capsules Compilation
• CD-ROM Images
• ZX Spectrum
• DOOM Level CD

• Smithsonian Libraries
• FEDLINK (US)
• Lincoln Collection
• American Libraries
• Canadian Libraries
• Universal Library
• Project Gutenberg
• Children's Library
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• Books by Language
• Additional Collections

• Prelinger Archives
• Democracy Now!
• Occupy Wall Street
• TV NSA Clip Library
• Animation & Cartoons
• Arts & Music
• Computers & Technology
• Cultural & Academic Films
• Ephemeral Films
• Sports Videos
• Videogame Videos
• Youth Media

Search the history of over 866 billion web pages on the Internet.

Mobile Apps

• Wayback Machine (iOS)
• Wayback Machine (Android)

Browser Extensions

Archive-it subscription.

• Explore the Collections
• Build Collections

Save Page Now

Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future.

Please enter a valid web address

• Donate Donate icon An illustration of a heart shape

The Oxford handbook of qualitative research

Bookreader item preview, share or embed this item, flag this item for.

• Graphic Violence
• Explicit Sexual Content
• Hate Speech
• Misinformation/Disinformation
• Marketing/Phishing/Advertising
• Misleading/Inaccurate/Missing Metadata

plus-circle Add Review comment Reviews

271 Previews

9 Favorites

DOWNLOAD OPTIONS

No suitable files to display here.

PDF access not available for this item.

IN COLLECTIONS

Uploaded by station07.cebu on July 17, 2023

SIMILAR ITEMS (based on metadata)

• Shopping Cart
• Log in/Register
• Editorial Program
• Publish With Us

Library E-Books

We are signed up with aggregators who resell networkable e-book editions of our titles to academic libraries. These editions, priced at par with simultaneous hardcover editions of our titles, are not available direct from Stylus.

These aggregators offer a variety of plans to libraries, such as simultaneous access by multiple library patrons, and access to portions of titles at a fraction of list price under what is commonly referred to as a "patron-driven demand" model.

E-books are now distributed via RedShelf or VitalSource

You will choose the vendor in the cart as part of the check out process. These vendors offer a more seamless way to access the ebook, and add some great new features including text-to-voice. You own your ebook for life, it is simply hosted on the vendors website, working much like Kindle and Nook. Click here to see more detailed information on this process.

Written by scholars from three generations of qualitative methodologists, Qualitative Research Design and Methods: An Introduction situates qualitative research within the history of the field and integrates this history within discussions of specific research designs. This novel approach allows readers to come to know the genealogy of the field and how previous generations of scholars have informed what we know today as qualitative research. The text reflects these more traditional as well as emerging qualitative research approaches, providing a theoretically grounded approach to designing and implementing qualitative research studies. While some introductory research texts focus on the specific methods of qualitative research with little attention to the role of theory, this book forefronts theory in qualitative research. The authors speak to students new to qualitative research with clear discussions of theory and theoretical concepts and how those notions must be considered throughout all aspects of research design, implementation, and representation of findings. Each chapter integrates discussion of theory. In addition, the book highlights the role of ethics in the same way with a chapter at the beginning as well as discussions of ethics threaded throughout each of the design chapters. Qualitative Research Design and Methods is THE introductory textbook for students taking introductory masters and doctoral courses in qualitative research. Instructors in those classes will appreciate the straightforward language and concepts provided by the authors. Perfect for courses such as:  Introduction to Qualitative Research and Qualitative Research Design

List of Figures, Tables and Text Boxes

Acknowledgments

Part I: Getting Started With Theory and Design

Chapter One:  Introducing Qualitative Research

Chapter Two:  Ethics and Qualitative Research

Chapter Three:  The Role of Theory in Designing Qualitative Research

Chapter Four:  Designing Qualitative Research

Part II: Generating Data by Talking, Observing, and Examining

Chapter Five:  Designing Studies That Use Interviews

Chapter Six:  Participant Observation, Ethnography and Ethnographic Designs

Chapter Seven:  Designing Studies That Use Documents and Archives

Part III: Putting It All Together: Designing and Ensuring Quality Studies

Chapter Eight:  Designing and Implementing Narrative Studies

Chapter Nine:  Designing Autoethnography

Chapter Ten:  Designing Studies Using Arts-based Methods

Chapter Eleven:  Designing Quality Studies

Appendix: Examples of Dissertation Designs

About the Authors

“In this exceptional text, deMarrais, Roulston, and Copple masterfully weave their combined decades of expertise into a solid foundation of qualitative research. Graduate students and other newcomers to qualitative inquiry will appreciate the authors’ inviting, clear, and accessible writing. Readers will learn about various ways of qualitative thinking, ethical reasoning, engaging theoretical frameworks and perspectives, and collecting and analyzing data: each of the necessary skills to embark on their own scholarship. Additionally, readers will find an abundance of activities, resources for further reading, and real-world examples from dissertations and extant literature. It is clear that the authors—who are superstars in the field—have perfected their approach to introducing readers to qualitative inquiry. I highly recommend Qualitative Research Design and Methods: An Introduction for anyone who is hoping to learn more about qualitative research!” Leia K. Cain, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Evaluation, Statistics, and Methodology, Coordinator, Qualitative Research Methods in Education Graduate Certificate, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Tennessee

“deMarrais, Roulston, and Copple have created an accessible, experiential, and enjoyable guide for novice qualitative researchers that not only introduces the aesthetics and pragmatics of creating quality studies, but also inspires readers to produce meaningful works of inquiry with passion. The critical quality differentiating this introductory portal from others is the author’s commitment to explain carefully why qualitative research is more important than ever to understand, question, and change our world. In doing so, the authors skillfully alert beginning researchers to the challenges they will face and the responsibilities they will need to embrace to conduct ethical and effective research.” Ronald J. Chenail, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor of Family Therapy, Nova Southeastern University

“ Qualitative Research Design and Methods: An Introduction (2024) is a beautiful creation from three of our most revered members of the qualitative research community. This book provides exactly the kind of grounding novice qualitative researchers can immediately benefit from—complete with learning objectives for each chapter, engaging examples, and activities to help guide learners through the process of designing and carrying out qualitative inquiry projects.” Thalia M. Mulvihill, Ph.D., Professor of Social Foundations of Education and Higher Education, Teachers College, Ball State University

“As someone who trains and teaches novice qualitative researchers, I have noted the need for an accessible, comprehensive, and appropriately critical introduction to qualitative methods.  Qualitative Research Design and Methods is that book. deMarrais, Roulston, and Copple offer a pedagogical approach throughout, with learning objectives, reading questions, concise charts and infographics, clear explanations that engage with the “why” along with the “how” of qualitative methods, and both historical and interdisciplinary examples—all while emphasizing ethical, social justice-oriented methodological practices. This book is an important and long overdue resource for the field and for researchers at any stage.” Stephanie Anne Shelton, Ph.D., Director of Diversity, College of Education, Associate Professor, Qualitative Research Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling, The University of Alabama

“The authors bring decades of experience in teaching and conducting qualitative research to offer an accessible, theoretically grounded, and practically oriented guide to designing and conducting qualitative studies with ethical relationships at the forefront. Sensitive to the epistemologically diverse, interdisciplinary, and ever-changing nature of the field of qualitative inquiry, the authors share multiple perspectives and examples and offer ideas and questions, rather than recipes to follow. Through such inclusive writing and questions, the authors invite readers into dialogue and learning that is situationally can culturally responsive and responsible to the people and spaces in which the reader designs and conducts their own studies. Furthermore, the book includes invitations for considering and embracing international and global perspectives, rare in other methodology textbooks.” Audra Skukauskaitė, Ph.D., Professor, University of Central Florida

Related Titles by Subject

• Research Skills
• Scholarship of Teaching & Learning
• Policy & Research
• Calendar of events
• desk copies
• review copies (media)
• return policy
• royalty inquiries
• quality statement
• peer review
• prospectus guidelines
• submission guidelines
• Distribution partners
• permission for usage
• permissions form
• Terms & conditions
• © 2024. Myers Education Press. All rights reserved.
• Registration

— minimum 8 symbols — at least one small letter (a-z) — at least one capital letter (A-Z) — at least one digit (0-9)

Sign in with

Reset password.

Password reset link will be send to your account e-mail

10 Best Research Books For Qualitative And Quantitative Research

Research books are designed to help you improve your research skills and conduct studies more effectively. So, if you’re on the hunt for research materials, check out our collection of the best research books!

Research methodology comes in many shapes and forms. Regardless of whether you are interested in qualitative or quantitative research, it is essential to find a book that can help you plan your research project adequately.

Research design can vary from hard sciences to social sciences, but data analysis following a case study is usually similar. Therefore, you need a practical guide that can help you complete a research project and finish your research paper—interested in this field of topic? You’ll love our round-up of the best books for quantum physics !

1. Qualitative Research: A Guide To Design And Implementation, 4th Edition

2. research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, 4th edition, 3. the research methods knowledge base, 3rd edition, 4. the craft of research, 5. doing your research project: open up study skills, 5th edition, 6. qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five approaches, 3rd edition, 7. the essential guide to doing your research project, 2nd edition, 8. introducing research methodology: a beginner’s guide to doing a research project, 2nd edition, 9. the sage handbook of qualitative research, 5th edition, 10. research methods in education, 7th edition, the final word on the best research books, what is the difference between quantitative research and qualitative research, how do i figure out which academic journal to publish my research in.

Unlimited access to more than 5,500 nonfiction bestsellers. Free trial available.

Popular Research Books to Read

When someone talks about qualitative research in academia, they refer to research that focuses on overall concepts and takeaways instead of complex numbers. For those conducting academic research, understanding the basics of this process is critical. Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation , by Sharan B. Merriam and Elizabeth J. Tisdell, 4th edition, is one of the best books available because it focuses on action research, mixed methods, online data sources, and some of the latest technology that people can use to complete their projects.

A significant portion of this book focuses on data analysis software packages, which have become critically important in an era where publishing in the best academic journals is critical for every successful researcher. Finally, this book explains topics so that nearly everyone can understand.

Suppose you are looking for a book that can teach you the best research methodology. In that case, you will want to check out Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches by John W. Creswell, 4th edition. John Creswell is one of the most well-respected writers in case study research.

As books on how to research go, this one on quantitative and qualitative research methods is a great tool that will help you learn the basics of forming a research project in every field. This book covers philosophical assumptions and research projects, theory and research approaches, and conducts an effective literature review. These elements are also crucial in helping you form a step-by-step guide for your upcoming research project, and this book will teach you the basics of data analysis.

The first two editions were already solid, but the third edition of The Research Methods Knowledge Base , by William M.K. Trochim and James P. Donnelly, features many updates to quantitative and qualitative research methods, teaching graduate students the basics of data collection before diving into the details for more advanced learners.

One of the significant advantages of this text is that it is a comprehensive tool that can be used for both undergraduate and graduate-level courses. It has a relatively informal style and conversational feel, which means readers will not be intimidated by walls of text. The research methods it teaches are straightforward, applicable, and relevant to anyone looking to complete a research project in the current era.

The Craft of Research , by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory C. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams, covers various research approaches that teach everyone the basics of forming a solid research project. In particular, this book focuses on what to do with the data after it has been collected.

People need to think about how their readers will interpret the structure of the paper, proactively anticipating questions they might have. By answering the reader’s questions in the initial version of the paper, it is easier to hold their attention from start to finish.

Of course, one of the most critical questions that must be asked when writing a research paper is, “so, what? Why does this information matter?” Researchers can keep this in mind while writing the introduction and conclusion of the paper so they will have an easier time constructing a powerful academic manuscript that is more likely to be accepted into the top academic journals.

Doing Your Research Project: Open Up Study Skills , by Judith Bell, is a must-read for new researchers looking to make their way in academic research. This book is helpful because it teaches people how to conduct a research project using step-by-step advice. A research project can be daunting for new learners because it’s easy to focus on the final project and feel intimidated before taking the first step.

This book is indispensable because it teaches people everything they need to know to develop a research project, draft a hypothesis, carry out the project, and finalize a research paper after conducting detailed data analysis. Furthermore, this text will dive into common mistakes, pitfalls, and obstacles researchers need to overcome. Time is your most valuable resource, and nobody wants to spend time on trials that will not be relevant to the final project.

Qualitative Inquiry And Research Design: Choose Among Five Approaches , 3rd Edition, Is The Latest In A Line Of Best-Selling Research Books From Creswell. This Book Ties Into People’s Philosophical Underpinnings When Developing A Research Project. It Also Looks At The History Of Various Research Projects, Which Serve As An Example For The Reader.

Overall, there are five traditions in qualitative research; grounded theory, phenomenology, narrative research, case study, and ethnography. Creswell uses an accessible writing style to help the reader understand when to use each of these narratives. Then, he dives into strategies for writing research papers using each of these approaches.

The Essential Guide To Doing Your Research Project by Zina O’Leary is geared more toward young learners. As books on how to research, it focuses on how to develop a research project, analyze data, and write up the results. Every stage of the book is clearly explained, with the author specifying why it is essential to carry out that step correctly.

It also focuses on practical tips and tricks that learners can use to successfully carry out their research projects. The book includes helpful chapter summaries, a complete glossary, and boxed definitions for essential terms that should not be overlooked. The author also has a variety of suggestions for further reading, which is helpful for more advanced learners who may want to pick up a text that is a bit more detailed. Finally, the book also comes with access to a companion website. The website includes journal articles, real projects, worksheets, and podcasts.

Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner’s Guide to doing a research project, by Uwe Flick is ideal for new researchers. the author guides readers through the fundamentals that underpin a strong research project. He focuses on essential steps, common mistakes, and ways to expedite the research process.

Then, the author dives into some of the most critical skills readers need to have if they want to collect and analyze data properly. he goes into basic organizational tactics that make data easier to interpret, explains how to shorten the analytical process, and dives into real-life quantitative and qualitative research methods. He uses his research as an example, explaining to people how to pull out the essential parts of the research project before writing them up.

The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research by Norman K. Denzin and Yvonna S. Lincoln focuses on global research. This text teaches readers how to synthesize existing literature, identify current research, and focus on caps that can be filled. the authors gather contributions from some of the most well-renowned researchers, addressing issues in research projects today. This text focuses more on research regarding social justice therefore, this is better for people in the social sciences.

Research Methods in Education , by Louis Cohen, Lawrence Manon, and Keith Morrison, is essential for students and professional researchers who want to learn how to create a comprehensive research project. It’s broken up into helpful chapters wrapped up by a convenient summary at the end, explaining to readers how to hit the high points.

Research Methods in Education also comes with a helpful companion website that contains PowerPoint slides for every chapter. This book can be read independently and discussed with a classroom full of students. The book has been written at a level that is accessible even to high school students, but the basics can be a helpful review for graduate researchers.

Academic research comes in many shapes and forms, with qualitative and quantitative research having high points; however, the basics are the same across all fields. Researchers need to learn how to develop a hypothesis, put together a research methodology, collect their data, interpret it, and write up their findings.

It can be helpful to use the books about research above to refine your research methods . Each book focuses on a slightly different facet of academic research, so readers need to find the right book to meet their needs. With a substantial text, readers can avoid common mistakes, follow in the footsteps of successful researchers, and increase their chances of writing a solid research paper for school or getting their paper accepted into an academic journal.

Books About Research FAQs

Quantitative research focuses more on numbers and statistics. This type of research is more common in hard sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics.

Qualitative research focuses more on overall meanings and concepts. This type of research is more common in social sciences such as anthropology, archaeology, and research topics focusing on social justice.

It would help compare prior articles in that academic journal to the article you have written. Most academic journals focus on a specific field, and you need to submit your article to a publication that shares research articles similar to your own. Be sure to consider the prestige of the journal before submitting your paper.

If you enjoyed this round-up of the best research books, you might also like our top 11 essay writing tips for students .

• Writing, Research & Publishing Guides

Sorry, there was a problem.

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods 3rd Edition

The book that has been a resource and training tool for countless applied researchers, evaluators, and graduate students has been completely revised with hundreds of new examples and stories illuminating all aspects of qualitative inquiry. Patton has created the most comprehensive, systematic and up-to-date review of qualitative methods available.

Patton has retained and expanded upon the Exhibits that highlight and summarize major issues and guidelines, the summative sections, tables, and figures as well as the sage advice of the Sufi Master, Halcolm. This revision will help readers integrate and make sense of the great volume of qualitative works published in the past decade. 

• ISBN-10 0761919716
• ISBN-13 978-0761919711
• Edition 3rd
• Publisher SAGE Publications, Inc
• Publication date October 31, 2001
• Language English
• Dimensions 7.75 x 1.5 x 10.75 inches
• Print length 688 pages
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

"Paton has a distinguished career as an evaluation researcher and his experience in applying the tools of qualitative research to address the questions and concerns of those in the world of practice come through clearly… a gem of a discussion of sampling strategies in qualitative research that is useful not only to prospective researchers but also to more seasoned ones. It is the most complete and carefully reasoned consideration of sampling in qualitative research that I have encountered"

About the Author

Michael Quinn Patton  is author of more than a dozen books on evaluation including Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods, 4th ed (2015), Blue Marble Evaluation (2020), Principles-Focused Evaluation (2018), Facilitating Evaluation (2018) and Developmental Evaluation (2011). Based in Minnesota, he was on the faculty of the University of Minnesota for 18 years and is a former president of the American Evaluation Association (AEA). Michael is a recipient of the Alva and Gunnar Myrdal Evaluation Practice Award, the Paul F. Lazarsfeld Evaluation Theory Award, and the Research on Evaluation Award, all from AEA He has also received the Lester F. Ward Distinguished Contribution to Applied and Clinical Sociology Award from the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology. In 2021 he received the first Transformative Evaluator Award from EvalYouth. He is an active speaker, trainer, and workshop presenter who has conducted applied research and evaluation on a broad range of issues and has worked with organizations and programs at the international, national, state, provincial, and local levels. Michael has three children―a musician, an engineer, and an evaluator―and four grandchildren. When not evaluating, he enjoys exploring the woods and rivers of Minnesota, where he lives.

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ SAGE Publications, Inc; 3rd edition (October 31, 2001)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 688 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0761919716
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0761919711
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.75 x 1.5 x 10.75 inches
• #245 in Social Sciences Methodology
• #254 in Scientific Research
• #491 in Social Sciences Research

About the author

Michael quinn patton.

Michael Quinn Patton lives in Minnesota where, according to the state's poet laureate, Garrison Keillor, "all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average." It was this lack of interesting statistical variation in Minnesota that led him to qualitative inquiry despite the strong quantitative orientation of his doctoral studies in sociology at the University of Wisconsin. He serves on the graduate faculty of The Union Institute, a nontraditional, interdisciplinary, nonresidential and individually designed doctoral program.

He was on the faculty of the University of Minnesota for 18 years, including five years as Director of the Minnesota Center for Social Research, where he was awarded the Morse-Amoco Award for innovative teaching. He won the University of Minnesota storytelling competition and has authored several other books which include Utilization-Focused Evaluation, Creative Evaluation, Practical Evaluation, How to Use Qualitative Methods in Evaluation, and Family Sexual Abuse: Frontline Research and Evaluation.

He edited Culture and Evaluation for the journal New Direction in Program Evaluation. His creative nonfiction book, Grand Canyon Celebration: A Father-Son Journey of Discovery, was a finalist for 1999 Minnesota Book of the Year.He is former President of the American Evaluation Association and the only recipient of both the Alva and Gunner Myrdal Award for Outstanding Contributions to Useful and Practical Evaluation from the Evaluation Research Society and the Paul F. Lazarsfeld Award for Lifelong Contributions to Evaluation Theory from the American Evaluation Association. The Society for Applied Sociology awarded him the 2001 Lester F. Ward Award for Outstanding Contributions to Applied Sociology.

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers find the book very informative and easy to read. They also appreciate the step-by-step guidance.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the book very informative, enlightening, and intelligent. They also appreciate the great examples and clear paths in the book. Overall, readers describe the book as solid for what the title suggests.

"One of the best texts I used in my doctoral research study. Was very informative and provided step by step guidance." Read more

"...Has assisted me considerably in writing thesis on a phenomenological study.Was recommended by my Masters supervisor." Read more

"I enjoyed the book overall. I found the stories enlightening and intelligent , and the stories provided a nice context/backstory for the research..." Read more

"...The book is very informative and provides a great deal of with vital knowledge including questions, quotes, and other formats to give the student..." Read more

Customers find the book easy to read, clear, and concise. They also say the text is long due to detailed explanations.

"...Was very informative and provided step by step guidance ." Read more

" Written in a very easy to read style . Great examples and is the best..." Read more

"...It is a clearly written , even handed treatment of the major methods and their underlying methodoologies...." Read more

"...the graduate student, yet his book presents the research in a very easy to read format ...." Read more

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• About Amazon
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell products on Amazon
• Sell on Amazon Business
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Become an Affiliate
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Make Money with Us
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Amazon and COVID-19
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices

• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Warning: The NCBI web site requires JavaScript to function. more...

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it's official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings
• Browse Titles

NCBI Bookshelf. A service of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

Understanding the Impacts of OS-PCORTF Projects on Data Capacity: An Interim Qualitative Assessment

Emily Evans , PhD, MPH, Health Science Analyst, ASPE, Mithuna Srinivasan , PhD, Principal Research Scientist, NORC, Correa Kiran , MPP, Senior Research Associate II, NORC, Sofia Ryan , MSPH, Senior Research Associate I, NORC, Mikaela Harmsen , MPH, Research Associate II, NORC, Susan Lumsden , MS, Social Science Analyst, ASPE, and Prashila Dullabh , MD, Vice President and Senior Fellow, NORC.

• Copyright and Permissions

This report presents findings from an interim qualitative assessment that examined the ways in which OS-PCORTF projects collectively advanced the ability of researchers to conduct patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) by (1) improving the quality of data; (2) providing more relevant, comprehensive data; (3) enhancing analytical resources; and (4) reducing barriers to data access and use.

• Collapse All
• Key Informants
• Project Officers and Project Leadership
• Executive Summary
• 1. Introduction
• Domain 1: Improving Quality of Data Available for PCOR Studies
• Domain 2: Providing More Relevant, Comprehensive Data for PCOR Studies
• Domain 3: Enhancing Analytic Resources for PCOR Studies
• Domain 4: Reducing Barriers to Data Access and Use for PCOR Studies
• Limitations
• 3. Conclusion
• Appendix A. Descriptions of Featured OS-PCORTF Projects
• Appendix B. Assessment Methods
• Appendix C. Key Informant Interview Discussion Questions

Suggested citation:

Evans, E., Srinivasan, M., Correa, K., Ryan, S., Harmsen, M., Lumsden, S., and Dullabh, P. Understanding the Impacts of OS-PCORTF Projects on Data Capacity: An Interim Qualitative Assessment. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. September 2023.

• Cite this Page Evans E, Srinivasan M, Kiran C, et al. Understanding the Impacts of OS-PCORTF Projects on Data Capacity: An Interim Qualitative Assessment [Internet]. Washington (DC): Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE); 2023 Sep.
• PDF version of this title (558K)

Other titles in this collection

• HHS ASPE Reports

Recent Activity

• Understanding the Impacts of OS-PCORTF Projects on Data Capacity: An Interim Qua... Understanding the Impacts of OS-PCORTF Projects on Data Capacity: An Interim Qualitative Assessment

Your browsing activity is empty.

Activity recording is turned off.

Turn recording back on

Connect with NLM

National Library of Medicine 8600 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20894

Web Policies FOIA HHS Vulnerability Disclosure

Help Accessibility Careers