David Silverman’s seminal Doing Qualitative Research can justifiably claim to be `the supervisor in your pocket’ for all PhD and Masters students embarking on their own qualitative research project. This hugely popular textbook has been fully revised and updated and is one of the few books available that can claim to be essential reading for anyone planning their own research project. Written in a lively, accessible style, this step-by-step guide provides an… More >>
Doing Qualitative Research: Second Edition
This is an excellent book to get grounded with one’s ideas at the beginning of writing a dissertation/thesis. Silvermans’ style of writing is fluent and effective, reaching out easily to one’s muddled thoughts and vague ideas.
In addition to one’s guide or supervisor, to feel like one knows how to proceed in style and content is a boon. I would highly reccomend reading this book.
Rating: 5 / 5
I’m using Silverman’s book in my sociology class on Field Methods. He combines a light but scholarly touch that my students (and I) find very accessible. He manages the difficult task of being comprehensive and yet not in the plodding text-book way that turns off students.
The chapters are short and focused. That’s helpful for my course, where some are not appropriate for my undergraduates (e.g., working with your Ph.D. advisors).
I’ve used a lot of other text books for this course. Generally, authors have a hard time achieving the balance among three goals: 1. scholarly references and examples that are needed to inform the students, vs. 2. showing your colleagues that you know the literature, vs. 3 keeping the students interested. Silverman achieves this balance.
The writing is first rate. In a subfield that relies on written presentations of ideas, events, observations, and interactions, that skill is essential.
Rating: 5 / 5