Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design
Choosing Among Five Approaches
By: John W. Creswell, Cheryl N. Poth
Winner of the 2018 Textbook & Academic Authors Association′s The McGuffey Longevity Award In the revised Fourth Edition of the best-selling text, John W. Creswell and new co-author Cheryl N. Poth explore the philosophical underpinnings, history, and key elements of five qualitative inquiry approaches: narrative research, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study. Preserving Creswell′s signature writing style, the authors compare the approaches and relate research designs to each of the traditions of inquiry in a highly accessible manner. Featuring new content, articles, pedagogy, references, and expanded coverage of ethics throughout, the Fourth Edition is an ideal introduction to the theories, strategies, and practices of qualitative inquiry.
AI Overview
"Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches" by John W. Creswell and Cheryl N. Poth is a comprehensive textbook that guides researchers in selecting and applying various qualitative research methods. Here is a detailed overview of the book, including key themes, plot summary, and critical reception:
Key Themes
Qualitative Research Approaches:
- The book explores five qualitative research approaches: narrative research, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study. Each approach is thoroughly examined, including its philosophical underpinnings, history, defining features, common data procedures, and writing structures.
Philosophical Underpinnings:
- The authors delve into the philosophical frameworks that shape qualitative research, providing readers with a holistic understanding of the interpretive nature of qualitative inquiry.
Technological Developments:
- The book reflects on technological advancements in the qualitative research process, highlighting how these developments can enhance research practices.
Inclusivity and Diversity:
- The text includes more diverse and inclusive examples, ensuring that the methods discussed are applicable across various contexts and populations.
Ethical Considerations:
- Essential discussions about ethical considerations are embedded throughout the book, ensuring that researchers are aware of the ethical implications of their work.
Research Design and Strategies:
- The authors provide a detailed exploration of the strategies and practices involved in each qualitative research approach, making it an ideal introduction to qualitative inquiry.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to guide readers through the process of selecting and applying the five qualitative research approaches. Each chapter focuses on a specific approach, providing a comprehensive overview of its history, defining features, data collection procedures, and writing structures. The authors also include a chapter where a single study illustrates applying each of the five approaches to the same research problem, facilitating comparison and contrast across different methodologies.
Critical Reception
McGuffey Longevity Award:
- The book has been recognized with the 2018 Textbook & Academic Authors Association's The McGuffey Longevity Award, indicating its enduring value and impact in the field of qualitative research.
Educational Utility:
- The text has been praised for its accessibility and utility in doctoral programs, particularly in the social sciences. However, its relevance extends beyond these fields, making it useful for researchers from various disciplines.
Conclusion
"Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches" by John W. Creswell and Cheryl N. Poth is a seminal text in the field of qualitative research. It provides a thorough exploration of five key methodologies, emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical applications. The book's comprehensive nature, updated references, and inclusivity make it an essential resource for researchers seeking to conduct high-quality qualitative studies.