Stake R.E. Qualitative Research: Studying How Things Work

Guilford Pubn, 2010. – 244 p. – ISBN: 160623546X, 1606235451, 9781606235461This book provides invaluable guidance for thinking through and planning a qualitative study. Rather than offering recipes for specific techniques, master storyteller Robert Stake stimulates readers to discover "how things work" in organizations, programs, communities, and other systems. Topics range from identifying a research question to selecting methods, gathering data, interpreting and analyzing the results, and producing a well-thought-through written report. In-depth examples from actual studies emphasize the role of the researcher as instrument and interpreter, while boxed vignettes and learning projects encourage self-reflection and critical thinking. Other useful pedagogical features include quick-reference tables and charts, sample project management forms, and an end-of-book glossary. After reading this book, doctoral students and novice qualitative researchers will be able to plan a study from beginning to end.Introduction: Make Yourself Comfortable
Qualitative Research: How Things Work
Interpretation: The Person as Instrument
Experiential Understanding: Most Qualitative Study Is Experiential
Stating the Problem: Questioning How This Thing Works
Methods: Gathering Data
Review of Literature: Zooming to See the Problem
Evidence: Bolstering Judgment and Reconnoitering
Analysis and Synthesis: How Things Work
Action Research and Self-Evaluation: Finding on Your Own How Your Place Works
Storytelling: Illustrating How Things Work
Writing the Final Report: An Iterative Convergence
Advocacy and Ethics: Making Things Work Better
Glossary: Meanings for This BookAuthor Index
Subject Index
About the Author