Approaches to Qualitative Research: Theory and Its Practical Application, a Guide for Dissertation Students

Edited by John Hogan, Paddy Dolan and Paul F. Donnelly

This book seeks to introduce students to the concepts underlying qualitative research, and how this kind of research can be conducted in a practical manner. To this end it discusses various approaches to qualitative research, and provides examples of these approaches being carried out in practice. In doing so, the book shows how various disciplines all utilise qualitative research in order to uncover answers to their own particular research questions. We will also show how qualitative methods can never be completely divorced from the intellectual adherence of their practitioners. Researchers’ biases inevitable influence the qualitative approach they adopt, the tools they use, develop, and employ, and the interpretations they bring to the findings uncovered. The intention of all this is to familiarise students with the underlying tenets of qualitative research, so that instead of being intimidated by it, they feel that they can take ownership of the concept.