Qualitative Research is the essential guide to understanding, designing, conducting, and presenting a qualitative research study. This fourth edition features new material covering mixed methods, action research, arts-based research, online data sources, and the latest in data analysis, including data analysis software packages as well as narrative and poetic analysis strategies. A new section offers multiple ways of presenting qualitative research findings. The reader-friendly, jargon-free style makes this book accessible to both novice and experienced researchers, emphasizing the role of a theoretical framework in designing a study while providing practical guidance.

Qualitative research reaches beyond the what, where, and when of quantitative analysis to investigate the why and how behind human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior, but this presents a number of significant challenges. This guide is an invaluable reference for students and practitioners alike, providing the deep understanding that this sometimes difficult area of research requires to produce accurate results. The book contains a step-by-step guide to analyzing qualitative data and an addendum for graduate students with a template for a thesis, dissertation, or grant application.

• Build a strong foundation in qualitative research theory and application
• Design and implement effective qualitative research studies
• Communicate findings more successfully with clear presentation
• Explore data sources, data analysis tools, and the different types of research

Thoroughly revised and updated, the fourth edition of Qualitative Research offers researchers, faculty, and students a step-by-step guide to understanding, designing, conducting, and presenting a qualitative research study. The book is filled with practical advice and proven guidance for building a strong foundation in qualitative research theory and application; designing and implementing effective qualitative research studies; communicating findings more successfully with clear presentation; and exploring data sources, data analysis tools, and the different types of research.

Written in jargon-free terms, Qualitative Research is designed to be accessible to both novice and experienced researchers. The authors also include an addendum with a template for a thesis, dissertation, or grant application.

Praise for the fourth edition of Qualitative Research

"Amidst a crowd of contenders, this book is my top recommendation for researching experience and meaning that informs professional practices."
--Dan Pratt, senior scholar, Centre for Health Education Scholarship, University of British Columbia

"There is no other book that comes close to this one in explaining and expanding knowledge of qualitative research. Not only are the basics of the research process addressed, but also the intricacies and challenges of analyzing and reporting on the data. Researchers will be pleased to see in this edition guidance on how to present their data in ways that are artistic and creative. No doubt this book will change the way we think about and publish qualitative research."
--Leona M. English, head of publications and research, UNESCO Institute of Lifelong Learning, Hamburg

SHARAN B. MERRIAM is professor emerita of adult education at the University of Georgia. She is the author, coauthor, or editor of more than fifteen books, including Adult Learning: Linking Theory and Practice and Qualitative Research in Practice, both from Jossey-Bass.

ELIZABETH J. TISDELL is professor of adult education and coordinator of the doctoral program in adult education at Penn State University Harrisburg.