Qualitative Research in Practice : Stories from the field

Research in the field is often very different from that described in research theory. Stage by stage, Darlington and Scott outline the processes of qualitative research, drawing on the experiences of leading international researchers in the human services.

''Qualitative Research in Practice brings alive wonderfully the business of carrying out qualitative research in the field of welfare and human services. The authors take the reader through the main stages of the research endeavour, cleverly using their own interviews with eminent investigators to illustrate with great immediacy the actual mechanics of the process as described by recognised experts.''

Professor David Howe, School of Social Work and Psychosocial Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.

''.very useful and invaluable for social work students and social workers.''

Joyce L. C. Ma, R.S.W. Ph.D., Professor, Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Qualitative Research in Practice bridges the gap between theory and practice for researchers in the human services. The authors explore qualitative research through actual research projects that illustrate key stages in the research process.

The researchers'' ''stories from the field'' reveal the human face of research undertaken in often difficult contexts: with homeless people, with disabled people, in nursing homes, with victims of domestic violence, and with adopted children. We see how these leading researchers from different countries deal with the many obstacles they face in their research projects, and how they develop innovative solutions.

Qualitative Research in Practice is a valuable resource for students and practitioners doing research in social work, welfare, community health, counselling and related fields.