Doing Naturalistic Inquiry A Guide to Methods [Paperback]

Based on the theoretical work of Lincoln and Guba, this practical text is designed to help new researchers apply the constructivist paradigm. The authors show how these ideas shape the practice of conducting alternative paradigm research. Covering the research process from design, through data-collection analysis and presentation, as well as important issues generally minimized in positivist research texts - ethics, trustworthiness and authenticity - cases from a wide variety of disciplines demonstrate the efficacy of the methods described.

Based on the theoretical work of Lincoln and Guba, this practical text is designed to help new researchers apply the constructivist paradigm. The authors show how these ideas shape the practice of conducting alternative paradigm research. Covering the research process from design, through data-collection analysis and presentation, as well as important issues generally minimized in positivist research texts - ethics, trustworthiness and authenticity - cases from a wide variety of disciplines demonstrate the efficacy of the methods described.

This book is as good a practical guide to naturalistic inquiry as one could hope for at this time. It is clear, it is practical, it is stimulating, it leads, it guides, it inspires. The authors provide action-based legitimation for naturalistic inquiry. If the question, 'It all sounds good, but does it work?' is a reasonable one to pose, this book demonstrates that naturalistic inquiry works. The authors are to be congratulated for a splendid contribution. A Posture Toward Research
The Need for a New Paradigm
The Process of Inquiry
Some Basic Considerations
Getting Started on the Study
Designing a Naturalistic Inquiry
Gathering Data
Data Analysis
Quality Criteria for a Naturalistic Study
Preparing the Report