Book Reviews
Basic concepts for qualitative research
Immy Holloway
ISBN: 0-632041-73-0 1997 186 pages Oxford: Blackwell Science
Linda Worrall-Carter
Senior Research Fellow, Deakin University; Box Hill Hospital, Burwood VIC
This book would be useful for both qualified professionals and students alike. It is set out more like a handbook that a dictionary, and can be used readily for reference as it contains accessible definitions of the language used in qualitative research. The text is very clearly set out in alphabetical order, which provides quick access to descriptions and explanations. Important words or expressions are in bold type and there are cross-references in the text which are printed in italics. The book beings with a table of contents (several pages long), which is cross-referenced, allowing for quick access to a term or concept.
Holloway manages to explain some of the complex concepts and assumptions surrounding qualitative research. In addition to this, she also puts forward supporting arguments to justify the methodology, research design and research procedures. Links are made within the descriptions, so that the reader can follow a line of inquiry.
Some sections in the book are extensively documented. For example, Grounded Theory is discussed in detail with the underlying principles to this approach being comprehensive and well written. However, not all of the sections expanded upon are quite so useful; for example, those on research proposals and report writing are a little too brief and could have included more detail.
Another good feature of this book is that there is an extensive list of references for further reading, which can encourage a deeper exploration of a particular approach or method. These are categorised under useful headings such as different methods and strategies, and texts for different disciplines.
It is certainly a book I would recommend for anyone interested in qualitative research, and it would be particularly useful for those students embarking on a dissertation or thesis.
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