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| David Silverman |
Chapter 8
Methodology
Qualitative research is supposed to offer 'rich' descriptions of social reality. This paper shows that such richness will vary according to our research problem and methodology.
Qualitative Inquiry, 11 (6), 861-79 (2005)
DOI 10.1177/1077800405280663
http://qix.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/11/6/861
'The need for thin description'
Wayne H. Brekhus,University of Missouri-Columbia, USA
John F. Galliher, University of Missouri-Columbia, USA
Jaber F. Gubrium,University of Missouri-Columbia, USA
EXERCISE
In what sense is 'rich description' the aim of your research? If it is an aim, how can you achieve it? If not, why not?
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| The following two articles debate whether naturally occurring material should be the basic data for qualitative research. Susan Speer raises several reservations about the value of this assumption.
Discourse Studies, 4 (4), 511-25 (2002)
http://dis.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/4/4/511
'"Natural" and "contrived" data: a sustainable distinction?'
Susan A. Speer, Brunel University, UK
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| In the following paper, Jonathan Potter replies to Susan Speer, arguing that naturally occurring data remain highly relevant to qualitative research.
Discourse Studies, 4 (4), 539-42 (2002)
http://dis.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/4/4/539
'Two kinds of natural'
Jonathan Potter, Loughborough University, UK
EXERCISE
- Is your research based on naturally occurring data?
- If so, why?
- If not, why not?
- If you worked with a different sort of data (naturally occurring or otherwise), how would that impact on your definition of your research topic and the kind of conclusions you could reach?
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| Beginning researchers are often tempted to use mixed or multiple methods. This paper reviews the problems in working with multiple datasets and how these problems can be overcome.
Qualitative Research, 6 (1), 45-59 (2006)
DOI 10.1177/1468794106058870
http://qrj.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/6/1/45
'Triangulation and integration: processes, claims and implications'
Jo Moran-Ellis, niversity of Surrey, UK
Victoria D. Alexander, University of Surrey
Ann Cronin, University of Surrey, UK
Mary Dickinson, University of Surrey, UK
Jane Fielding, University of Surrey, UK
Judith Sleney, University of Surrey, UK
Hilary Thomas, University of Surrey, UK
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| Following on from the previous paper, Markham and Couldry discuss how they integrated different datasets in their research on citizenship.
Qualitative Inquiry, 13 (5), 675-95 (2007)
DOI 10.1177/1077800407301182
http://qix.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/13/5/675
'Tracking the reflexivity of the (dis)engaged citizen: some methodological reflections'
Tim Markham, Birkbeck College, UK
Nick Couldry, Goldsmiths College, UK
EXERCISE
- If you are considering using multiple methods, examine what you would gain and lose by using just one method.
- If you are planning to use a single method, consider what you would gain and lose by using multiple methods.
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