Reflexivity

Hammersley, M. (2004) „Reflexivity”, in M. S. Lewis-Beck, A. Bryman,and  T. F. Liao (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 934-935. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412950589

Reflexivity has always a buzzword in qualitative research and used in a variety of ways. In this brief article, the concept of reflexivity is more concisely defined by distinguishing several theoretical, epistemological, but also critical, aspects.

History of Qualitative Research

Lockyer, S. (2008) „Qualitative Research, History of“, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 707-711. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article gives a more detailed overview of the history and recent developments of qualitative research. This will help understanding authors and literature from different periods in a better way and locating current discussions (on mixed methods for example) in their adequate context.

Multimethod Research Program

Priola, V. (2010) "Multimethod Research Program", in A. J. Mills, G. Durepos, and E. Wiebe (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 580-582. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397

This article explains the concept of using multiple methods. It reminds us that using several methods can be very fruitful, but should not be reduced to the concept of mixed methods, which only represents a very specific understanding of combining methods.

Mixed Methods

Greene, J. C. (2005) “Mixed Methods”, in S. Mathison (ed.), Encyclopedia of Evaluation. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 256. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412950558

This article briefly summarizes the concept of mixed methods. At the same time it shows the limited focus of combining only qualitative and quantitative methods (and not several qualitative methods) underlying the concept.

Logical Posivitism

Schwandt, T. A. (2007) “Logical Positivism”, in T. A. Schwandt, The SAGE Dictionary of Qualitative Inquiry. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 183-184. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412986281

This article explains the concept of positivism, which is often referred to in qualitative research, but seldom clearly spelled out.  The article helps understanding how qualitative research is distinguished from quantitative research.

Social Constructionism

Slater, J. R. (2017) “Social Constructionism”, in M. Allan (ed.) The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1624-1628. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

This article explains the concept of social constructionism, which is a basis for many ways of doing qualitative research. It explains its antecedents, key intentions, the understanding of knowledge, language, reality, society and of making sense of experience in distinction to assumptions of realism.

Symbolic Interactionism

Polk, D. (2017) “Symbolic Interactionism”, in M. Allan (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1739-1743. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

Symbolic Interactionism is a key concept in the development and current versions of qualitative research. Here, explanations are provided of why interviews are used and based on participants’ making sense of self and society. Beyond basic ideas, critical aspects are mentioned.

Ethnomethodology

ten Have, P. (2008) “Ethnomethodology”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 294-296. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article explains the concept of ethnomethodology as a key concept of qualitative research in theoretical respects and as a research program. “Studies of work” are also explained.

Grounded Theory

Vincze, Z. (2010) “Grounded Theory”, in A. J. Mills, G. Durepos, and E. Wiebe (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 430-432. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397

This article gives a brief overview of the concept of grounded theory methodology and the idea of developing theories from analyzing empirical material. It also provides a critical summary of the approach.

Biography

Miller, J. L. (2008) “Biography”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 62-63. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article explains the approach of studying biographies and of using biographies for studying wider issues (e.g. migration or chronic illness). It also outlines major methods in biographical research.

Codes and Coding

Benaquisto, L. (2008) “Codes and Coding”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 86-88. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

The idea of coding as a strategy of analyzing empirical material is explained in a summarizing manor referring to the major strategies used.

Reality and Multiple Realities

Norum, K. E. (2008) “Reality and Multiple Realities”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 736-739. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article gives a brief overview of the concept of “multiple realities” and its implication for doing qualitative research. This is helpful for understanding the epistemological underpinnings of doing qualitative research.

Ontology

Bakker, J. I. (2010) “Ontology”, in A. J. Mills, G. Durepos, and E. Wiebe (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 629-631. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397

This article spells out the concept of ontology and its role in the process of qualitative research and understanding also beyond cases study for doing qualitative research. This is helpful for further understanding the epistemological underpinnings of doing qualitative research.

Epistemology

Bakker, J. I. (2010) “Epistemology”, in A. J. Mills, G. Durepos, and E. Wiebe (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 332-335. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397

This article gives a brief overview of the concept of “epistemologies” and their implications for doing qualitative research. This is helpful for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of doing qualitative research and producing knowledge.

Mimesis

Berger, A. A. (2011) “Mimesis”, in D. Southerton (ed.), Encyclopedia of Consumer Culture. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 978. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412994248.n363

This article gives a brief summary of the concept of mimesis. This is helpful for understanding the epistemological underpinnings of doing qualitative research and for understanding how knowledge is produced.

Research Question

Sandelowski, M. (2008) “Research Question”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 787. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article gives a brief overview of the various uses of the concept of research questions and their implications for doing qualitative research. This is helpful for understanding their role and importance for qualitative research as well.

Sensitizing Concept

Hammersley, M. (2004) “Sensitizing Concept”, in M. S. Lewis-Beck, A. Bryman, and T. F. Liao (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1023-1024. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412950589

This article gives a brief summary of the concept of sensitizing concepts and their orienting role for doing qualitative research. This helps understanding the role of theory and why clearly defined concepts and hypotheses in qualitative research are sometimes rather avoided.

Research Design

Cheek, J. (2008) “Research Design”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 762-763. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article gives a summary of the role of research designs and their implication for doing qualitative research. With its examples, it is helpful for understanding how a general interest is translated into research questions and procedures qualitative research.

Internet in Qualitative Research

Markham, A. N. (2008) “Internet in Qualitative Research”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 455-458. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

In this article, the potentials and implications of the Internet for doing qualitative research are outlined. This is helpful for understanding the epistemological underpinnings of doing online qualitative research.

Case Study

Blatter, J. K. (2008) “Case Study”, in L. M. Given (ed.),The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 68-71. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

A case study can be very fruitful, but can also consist of complex design issues. In this article the potentials and implications of this specific design for doing qualitative research are unfolded.

Longitudinal Research

Court, M. (2010) “Longitudinal Research”, in A. J. Mills, G. Durepos, and E. Wiebe (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 536-538. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397

Longitudinal studies can also be a way of doing qualitative research over a longer period for analyzing development and processes. In this article, the potentials and implications of the longitudinal designs for doing qualitative research are outlined.

Planning of a Research Project

Perrault, E. (2017) “Research Project, Planning of”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1448-1450. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

This article gives a summarizing account of the steps of a research project and their implications for doing qualitative research. With its presentation, it analytically distinguishes research questions and subsequent procedures in qualitative research.

Grounded Theory

Charmaz, K. & Bryant, A. (2008) “Grounded Theory”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 375-377. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

In this article, a brief overview is given of the understanding of research and process in the various versions of grounded theory as a specific approach in qualitative research.

Theoretical Frameworks

Anfara Jr., V. A. (2008) “Theoretical Frameworks”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 870-873. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

A brief overview of the role of theoretical frameworks and their implication for doing qualitative research is presented. With its examples, the article is helpful for understanding how a theoretical interest is translated into concrete research questions and procedures in qualitative research.

Ethics

Preissle, J. (2008) “Ethics”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 274-277. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article gives a brief overview of approaches in ethics and their implication for doing qualitative research. With the ethical concerns discussed, it is helpful for understanding how qualitative research can be planned in an ethically sound way from questions to procedures in a qualitative study.

Informed Consent

Field-Springer, K., (2017) “Informed Consent”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 706-707. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

This article gives a concise summary of the role of informed consent for doing qualitative research. With its examples, it is helpful for doing qualitative research also for the participants in a transparent way.

Vulnerable Groups

Brule, N. & Eckstein, J. J., (2017) “Vulnerable Groups”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1871-1874. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

Qualitative research is often concerned with studying vulnerable groups and giving voice to them. This article gives a concise overview of the history and relevance of the concept for doing qualitative research with children, refugees or chronically ill people. With its examples, it is helpful for understanding how a research interest can be translated into research questions and procedures in qualitative research that is adequate for working with vulnerable groups.

Literature Review

Race, R. (2008) “Literature Review”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 488-489. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article discusses the, sometimes limited, role of the literature review in doing qualitative research, but highlights the fun aspect in reading and systematizing the literature.

The Literature Review

McEwen, B., (2017) “Literature Review, The”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 876-877. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

This article adds more general and systematic but practical suggestions for doing the literature review in (not only) qualitative research and gives some advice on the how to do level.

Access

Coffey, A., (2006) “Access”, in V. Jupp (ed.), The SAGE Dictionary of Social Research Methods. London: Sage, pp. 1-2. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9780857020116

This short article illustrates the role of field access in doing qualitative research and highlights aspect of negotiation and of the degree of the researcher’s self-disclosure.

Sampling, Special Population

Shields, J. D., (2017) “Sampling, Special Population”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1543-1544. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

The author explains the problems linked to working with special populations in doing qualitative research and to finding members of these populations by snowballing.

Types of Sampling

Schwandt, T. A., (2007) “Sampling, Types of”, in T. A. Schwandt (ed.), The SAGE Dictionary of Qualitative Inquiry. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 271-272. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412986281

This brief dictionary entry clarifies the various ways of sampling in qualitative research in distinction quantitative approaches.

Theoretical Sampling

Van den Hoonaard, W. C. (2008) “Theoretical Sampling”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 875. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

The concept of theoretical sampling is briefly explained for its role in doing qualitative research. The examples are short but illustrating.

Purposive Sampling

Palys, T. (2008) “Purposive Sampling”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 698. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article discusses the various ways of purposive sampling in doing qualitative research.

Triangulation

Morris, P. L. (2017) “Triangulation”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1782-1784. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

The author presents the ways of doing triangulation in qualitative research and also summarizes the critical discussions around the concept.

Multiple Sources of Evidence

Bhatnagar, N. (2010) “Multiple Sources of Evidence”, in A. J. Mills, G. , and E. Wiebe (eds.) The SAGE Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 586-587. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397

This article discusses the use of various kinds of qualitative data in combination. Examples illustrate this discussion.

Snowball Sampling: Accessing Hidden and Hard-to-Reach Populations

Atkinson, R. and Flint, J. (2003) “Sampling, snowball: accessing hidden and hard-to-reach populations”, in R. L. Miller and J. Brewer (ed.) The A-Z of Social Research. London: Sage, pp. 275-280. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9780857020024

As interviews are often used for doing research with hard-to-reach groups, this article is helpful in explaining techniques of snowball sampling in finding their members who are relevant for a study.

Interview Society

Schwandt, T. A. (2007) “Interview Society”, in T. A. Schwandt (ed.), The SAGE Dictionary of Qualitative Inquiry. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 164-166. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412986281

This article discusses the concept of interview society, which had been coined in a critique of doing interviews but is a helpful concept for describing why interviews work and participants may be ready to take part.

Interview Guide

Mason, J. (2004) “Interview Guide”, in M. S. Lewis-Beck, A. Bryman, and T. F. Liao (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 518-519. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412950589

In this article, the idea and ways of using interview guides are discussed in a summarizing way.

Interviewing

Freeman, M. (2005) “Interviewing”, in S. Mathison (ed.), Encyclopedia of Evaluation. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 211. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412950558

A brief summary of the various ways and forms of doing interviews is given.

Focused Interviews

Millward, L., (2004) “Focused Interviews”, in M. S. Lewis-Beck, A. Bryman & T. F. Liao (ed.) The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 396. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412950589

This article discusses the classical form of semi-structure interviewing in conjunction with the twin method of focus groups.

Online Interviews

Cole, A. W. (2017) “Online Interviews”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1145. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

This article explains the specific challenges of doing qualitative research and in particular of doing interviews online. Advantages and disadvantages are addressed but also technical and practical issues.

Group Interview

Frey, J. H. (2004) “Group Interview”, in M. S. Lewis-Beck, A. Bryman, and T. F. Liao (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 445. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412950589

This article explains the sometimes overseen practice of group interviews, which are distinct from individual interviews as well as from focus groups.

Focus Groups

Morgan, D. L. (2008) “Focus Groups”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 353-354. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

The author briefly discusses focus groups in distinction to individual interviews and summarizes issues of design, analysis and practical challenges such as how to moderate a group.

Narrative Analysis

Riessman, C. K. (2004) “Narrative Analysis”, in M. S. Lewis-Beck, A. Bryman, and T. F. Liao (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 706-709. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412950589

The article addresses the use of existing narrative materials and how to analyze such materials.

Ayres, L. (2008) “Narrative Interviews”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 545-546. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

In this article the collection of narrative data in (narrative) interviews is explained.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Observational Research

Lashley, M. C. (2017) “Observational Research, Advantages and Disadvantages”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1113-1115. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

This article explains advantages and disadvantages of doing research beyond talking to participants. Observation is presented with a focus on practical and ethical issues.

Participant Observation

Blevins, M. D. (2017) “Participant Observation”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1188-1190. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

In this article the most prominent observational method in qualitative research is explained. Negotiating Access and other issues of building relations in the field and organizing the process of research are treated.

Ethonography 

Fetterman, D. M. (2008) “Ethnography”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 289-292. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article explains the concept of ethnography as a method and as a strategy integrating several methods (such as participant observation, interviews, analyzing symbols).

Field Notes

Tenzek, K. E. (2017) “Field Notes”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 564-566. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

The author unfolds the role of field notes in ethnography and participant observation and distinguishes several forms of field notes. Ethical issues are also addressed.

Virtual Ethnography

Hine, C. M. (2008) “Virtual Ethnography”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 922-924. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article discusses the transfer of ethnography to online research and addresses practical issues and challenges as well as examples.

Photographs in Qualitative Research

Keegan, S. (2008) “Photographs in Qualitative Research”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 620-622. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article explains the use of photography as a method and as data in doing qualitative research. Researchers and participants as photographers and photos as stimuli in other methods are addressed.

Film and Video in Qualitative Research

Shrum, W., and Duque, R. B. (2008) “Film and Video in Qualitative Research”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 349-350. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909.n175

Visual ethnography is described in this article referring to video and films also with a focus on how to present data and results.

Videography

Kozinets, R. V. and Belk, R. W. (2006) “Videography”, in V. Jupp (ed.), The SAGE Dictionary of Social Research Methods. London: Sage, pp. 319-320. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9780857020116

A very brief outline of videography is given.

Documents

Schensul, J. J. (2008) “Documents”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 232-233. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article summarizes the use of documents as data in doing qualitative research. It takes a specific focus on secondary data documents as background information to complement other forms of qualitative data.

Virtual Research

Saumure, K. and Given, L. M. (2008) “Virtual Research”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 927-929. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

The authors discuss virtual documents as data in qualitative research in the context of outlining virtual qualitative research.

Internet Research and Ethical Decision Making

Lambertz-Berndt, M. & Allan, M. (2017) “Internet Research and Ethical Decision Making”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 788-789. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

This article explains Internet and social media research in a concise overview also referring to ethical challenges linked to these contexts. It covers data collection as well as presentation of results.

Social Media: Blogs, Microblogs, and Twitter

Joosten, T. (2017) “Social Media: Blogs, Microblogs, and Twitter”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1631-1633. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

Here, blogging and micro-blogging such as Twitter are introduced as media for doing qualitative research with a focus on social networks and identities.

New Media and Participant Observation

Ruppel, E. K. (2017) “New Media and Participant Observation”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1094-1097. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

This article explains the use of participant observation in the context of analyzing new media, social media and Internet contexts.

Conversation Analysis

Ten Have, P. (2008) “Conversation Analysis”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 130-131. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article explains the analysis of naturally occurring data with a strong focus on how something is said in a conversation and less on its content and its meaning.

Interpretivism

Bakker, J. I. (2010) “Interpretivism”, in A. J. Mills, G. Durepos, and E. Wiebe (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 487-493. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397

Here the focus is much more on understanding the content and meaning of data coming from different sources such as participant observation, interviews, analyzing symbols.

Transcription Systems

Hawkins, J. M. (2017) “Transcription Systems”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 1777-1779. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

This article explains the concept of transcription and the use of transcription systems as a basic step in preparing the analysis of qualitative data.

Data Management

Corti, L. (2008) “Data Management”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 194-195. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This chapter provides a good summary of the challenges of how to manage qualitative data effectively in a project for ensuring data quality and accessibility over time. 

Memos and Memoing

Groenewald, T. (2008) “Memos and Memoing”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 506. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article explains the relevance of memo writing in the process of grounded theory research.

Coding: Open Coding

Price, J. M. C. (2010) “Coding: Open Coding”, in A. J. Mills, G. Durepos, and E. Wiebe (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 156-157. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397

Here the central step of data analysis in grounded theory research is outlined, which applies to all versions that have developed over the years.

Coding: Axial Coding

Wicks, D. (2010) “Coding: Axial Coding”, in A. J. Mills, G. Durepos, and E. Wiebe (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 154-155. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397

Here a central step of data analysis in grounded theory research according to Strauss and Corbin is outlined, which has been criticized in other versions that have developed over the years.

Coding: Selective Coding

Price, J. M. C. (2010) “Coding: Selective Coding”, in A. J. Mills, G. Durepos, and E. Wiebe (eds.),The SAGE Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 158. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397

Here the central step of condensing data analysis in grounded theory research is outlined, which applies to most versions that have developed over the years.

Thematic Analysis

Lapadat, J. C. (2010) “Thematic Analysis”, in A. J. Mills, G. Durepos, and E. Wiebe (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 926-927. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397

This article outlines a rather general approach to analyzing data, which may inform more specific uses of an analytic method.

Ethnographic Content Analysis

Altheide, D. L. (2008) “Ethnographic Content Analysis”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 288. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article describes a rather specific approach to content analysis of qualitative data, which may inform other analytic approaches to ethnographic data.

Conversation Analysis

Drew, P. (2004) “Conversation Analysis”, in M. S.Lewis-Beck, A. Bryman, and T. F. Liao (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 198-199. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412950589

This article explains the approach of conversation analysis to analyzing qualitative data and to which kind of data and research questions it fits.

Discourse Analysis

Potter, J. (2008) “Discourse Analysis”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 218-220. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

In this article, discourse analysis is explained for its backgrounds, variations and developments over the years.

Hermeneutics

Boerboom, S. (2008) “Hermeneutics”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 218-220. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

This article explains hermeneutics as a rather general approach to analyzing qualitative data, which may inform more specific uses of an analytic method (e.g. objective hermeneutics) applied to them.

CAQDAS: Computer-Aided Qualitative Data Analysis

Hall, M. (2008) “CAQDAS: Computer-Aided Qualitative Data Analysis”, in R. Thorpe and R. Holl (eds.), The SAGE Dictionary of Qualitative Management Research. London: Sage, pp. 37-38. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9780857020109

This article outlines the general aims and ideas of using computers for qualitative data analysis. It extends the orientation of the reader in the field of CAQDAS.

Computer-Assisted Data Analysis Software

Lucas, K. (2017) “ Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software”, in M. Allen (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 215-218. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

This article discusses the aims and applications of using computers for qualitative data analysis from the point of the available software. It extends the orientation of the reader in the field of CAQDAS practice.

Member Check

Sandelowski, M. (2008) “Member Check”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 502. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article explains the idea of assessing the quality of qualitative research by asking for participants’ consent to results in particular after using interviews for data collection. It also discusses the problems and debates around this concept of member check.

Credibility

Jensen, D (2008) “Credibility”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 139. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

In this article, one of the most prominent ‘new’ criteria developed for assessing qualitative research is explained.

Analytic Induction

Hammersley, M. (2004) “Analytic Induction”, in M. S.Lewis-Beck, A. Bryman, and T. F. Liao (eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 17-18. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412950589

This article explains one of the strategies used to enhance the quality of qualitative research and its findings. Also the debates and critiques referring to this concept are summarized.

Writing Process

Boylorn, R. M. (2008) “Writing Process”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 949-950. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article gives some helpful advice for how to write about research on a practical level. Preparation and writing techniques are discussed as well as brainstorming before and editing at the end of the writing process.

Utilization

Xiao, H. (2010) “Utilization”, in A. J. Mills, G. Durepos, and E. Wiebe (eds.),The SAGE Encyclopedia of Case Study Research. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 957-958. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412957397

The author makes the discussion about relevance of qualitative research and its findings more concrete by focusing on the utilization of research and results. In the end a critical summary is given.

Representational Forms of Dissemination

Butler-Kisber, L. (2008) “Representational Forms of Dissemination”, in L. M. Given (ed.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks: Sage, pp. 757-761. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412963909

This article summarizes the general discussion about representation in research but turns it into some practical suggestions for using it for presenting one’s own research.

Chicago School

Bruce, S. and Yearley, S. (2006) “Chicago School”, in S. Bruce and S. Yearley (eds.), The SAGE Dictionary of Sociology. London: Sage, pp. 31. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781446279137.n102

Reading this article will give a general idea what a ‘school’ in qualitative research means. Examples of key topics, of the development and studies are presented.

Generalisation

O’Reilly, K. (2009) “Generalisation”, in K. O’Reilly (ed.), Key Concepts in Ethnography. London: Sage, pp. 82-87. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781446268308

This article emphasizes that being there and deep understandings of situations and individuals are steps on the way to findings and statements that are going beyond what or who was studied and are generalized to some level at least.