A Very Short, Fairly Interesting and Reasonably Cheap Book about Qualitative Research

David Silverman guides the reader along an enlightening pathway, exploring current issues relevant to studying the minutia of social life through naturalistic data.
Sarah Seymour-Smith
Nottingham Trent University

A very short suggestion: read it immediately and discover how qualitative research is best carried out!
Lars Strannegard
Stockholm School of Economics

 

With this book it is Silverman′s explicit intention to go beyond basic texts on research methods and elicit an interest in the arguments within the field of qualitative inquiry. In this sense, Silverman has achieved his goal of challenging accepted understandings of qualitative research methods. -- Rachel Fang
This is ideal for those who just want to engage with the basics in a swift way -- Adele Gardner * drupal *
It does not seem appropriate as a basic text to introduce my undergraduates to qualitative research. -- Dr Carol Black * drupal *
Not for the beginner but a useful book for those already familiar with or using qualitative research methods. Casual, informal style is refreshing. -- Dr Hannah McCabe * drupal *
I think this book is in a very different style to other research books and is not one you can dip into and out of. Some people will love it and some will find it difficult to get on with. I found it contained quite a bit of opinion that I did not agree with and the evidence was not included. The case studies and some fo the humour was attractive however. -- Dr Helen Green * drupal *
This does what it says on the tin! Very accessible. -- Dr Jane Bell * drupal *
This is a helpful book to give students an insight into qualitative methods. I recommend it to students as supplemental material. -- Dr Laura McMillan * drupal *
A useful overview of qualitative research for beginners, very helpful. -- Dr Nikki Petty * drupal *
This book provides an uncommon introduction to doing and debating qualitative research by asking questions about the influence of contemporary culture on the process of collecting and interpreting data. Silverman demonstrates the questioning by reference to examples of different data kinds like photographs, novels, newspaper stories, websites and social media.
Highly recommended -- Dr Petra Brzank * drupal *
Very generalised; not specific enough for my needs -- Dr Richard Greenwood * drupal *
The book is very detailed yet to easy to read. It is a good book for students looking to undertaking qualitative research. I will recommend this book for students looking to develop qualitative projects. -- Dr Robin Bell * drupal *
Good all rounder. I would definitely recommend this book to introduce the idea of qualitative research to students. -- Miss Anita Finnegan * drupal *
This is an excellent introductory text to qualitative methodology I would recommend as an essentail text for MA Education students. -- Miss Christine Lewis * drupal *
As the title says; to borrow a phrase ′it does what it says on the tin′. -- Mr Andrew Holmes * drupal *
In the battle to get students to read, this may well go some way in achieving at least an early engagment. -- Mr Brian Critchley * drupal *
Very concise text. Gives in a nutshell a good critical overview of what qualitative research could be. Interesting view on interview method. Most examples are from the social sciences. -- Mr Gerlof Donga * drupal *
I was not enthused by this book but some of my students did report it as providing useful information for them. -- Mr Ian Tindal * drupal *
This is an excellent, thought provoking and very readable book that will get students thinking critically about their research, from the very first chapter. -- Mr John Luker * drupal *
The main focus of the module is about evaluating research - but this will be very good for understanding how research is done. It is clear and interesting, and includes experience of doing research. -- Mr Keith Edwards * drupal *
As with the first edition this latest updated and revised version remains a thoughtful and engaging read. Students and first time researchers faced with some of the impenetrabilities of qualitative research will find this book a useful counterbalance for some of the more theoretical texts on qualitative research. More experienced readers will also find this book stimulating, sometimes provocative and yet invigorating. The inclusion of new examples from the internet age bring the text up to date whereas the addition of a ‘glossary of received ideas’ that seeks to expose notions about what qualitative research involves is entertaining and could be extended. Overall, the book achieves its aims; it is affordable, short, and more importantly it offers an interesting thought provoking perspective on qualitative research. -- Mr Kevin Hugill * drupal *
As with the first edition this latest updated and revised version remains a thoughtful and engaging read. Students and first time researchers faced with some of the impenetrabilities of qualitative research will find this book a useful counterbalance for some of the more theoretical texts on qualitative research. More experienced readers will also find this book stimulating, sometimes provocative and yet invigorating. The inclusion of new examples from the internet age bring the text up to date whereas the addition of a ‘glossary of received ideas’ that seeks to expose notions about what qualitative research involves is entertaining and could be extended. Overall, the book achieves its aims; it is affordable, short, and more importantly it offers an interesting thought provoking perspective on qualitative research. -- Mr Kevin Hugill * drupal *
As with the first edition this latest updated and revised version remains a thoughtful and engaging read. Students and first time researchers faced with some of the impenetrabilities of qualitative research will find this book a useful counterbalance for some of the more theoretical texts on qualitative research. More experienced readers will also find this book stimulating, sometimes provocative and yet invigorating. The inclusion of new examples from the internet age bring the text up to date whereas the addition of a ‘glossary of received ideas’ that seeks to expose notions about what qualitative research involves is entertaining and could be extended. Overall, the book achieves its aims; it is affordable, short, and more importantly it offers an interesting thought provoking perspective on qualitative research. -- Mr Kevin Hugill * drupal *
useful reading for qualitative UG researchers. Gives a different perspective. -- Mr Liam Higgins * drupal *
This publication is clear, concise, readable and very helpful to anyone wanting to know more about qualitative research. -- Mr Richard Carroll * drupal *
Really useful. -- Mr Steve Dixon * drupal *
Silverman provides such a simple guide to qualitative research that I have once again recommended this book to our students for those undertaking qualitative research. -- Mrs Anita McGowan * drupal *
interesting reading, that offers a new perspective on qualitative research, and some interesting reflections. However it requires knowledges that are too deep for the level of my students that are approaching qualitative research for the very first time -- Mrs Elena Tarlazzi * drupal *
This book really helps students debate and develop their own vision about Qualitative Research. -- Mrs FRANCOISE Passerard * drupal *
Whilst a very interesting text, not suitable for the Module I was considering it for. -- Mrs Isobel Townsend * drupal *
Good background ideal for MSc level student and dissertations for BSc. Student might not be up to this level of reading initially with undergrad diploma, BSc cohorts from health care related programmes might find this useful -- Mrs Sherran Milton * drupal *
Good background ideal for MSc level student and dissertations for BSc. Student might not be up to this level of reading initially with BSc cohorts -- Mrs Sherran Milton * drupal *
Will be appropriate for some students. -- Ms Alison Fielding * drupal *
Students really striggle with research methodology but this book explains qualitative research in a very student friendly way. -- Ms Rita Walsh * drupal *
A wonderful book, essential for the students and PhD involved in qualitative research. -- Professor Philippe Riot * drupal *
A great book that demystifies qualitative research -- Sue Horder * drupal *
A great book that demystifies qualitative research -- Sue Horder * drupal *