The Beginner's Guide to Doing Qualitative Research

This book provides theoretically grounded, real-world advice for students beginning to learn how to conduct qualitative research. Drawing on Erin Horvat’s extensive experience teaching qualitative methods, the text uses students’ questions and concerns as an organizational framework. Unlike many textbooks, this one provides students with an inside view into the most common dilemmas and challenges they will face as they start doing research. This easy-to-use book addresses the key phases of any ethnographic project—from beginning a project and defining its aims, to data collection, analysis, writing, and reporting results. While designed specifically for beginners, seasoned qualitative researchers will find useful insights, helpful tips, and new ways of thinking about qualitative research.

Book Features:

• Real-life, engaging research examples with detailed advice.
• A succinct and user-friendly presentation, perfect for course adoptions.
• Lessons from students as they learned how to do qualitative research.
• An appendix with site selection and site prospectus guidelines.

Erin Horvat is associate professor of urban education in the department of teaching and learning at the College of Education, Temple University.

"For those of you about to take a hike into qualitative-land, be sure to carry along a copy of this text."
—Michelle Fine, the Graduate Center, CUNY

“If you have an interest in research, Erin Horvat's new book focusing on qualitative methods is both informative and a joy to read. Whether you are a student of qualitative methods doing ethnographic research projects, a preservice teacher observing in classrooms, or a teacher wanting to conduct studies in your own classrooms, you'll love this comprehensive and detailed field guide for doing ethnography, including the wonderful examples of ‘ethnographic journeys’ from Erin's students who illustrate the process of creating research projects.”
—Carolyn Frank, Professor, Charter College of Education at California State University, Los Angeles and Director of the Los Angeles Writing Project.