'An excellent introduction to the theoretical, methodological and practical issues of qualitative research...they deal with issues at all stages in a very direct, clear, systematic and practical manner and thus make the processes involved in qualitative research more transparent' - Nyhedsbrev 'This is a "how to" book on qualitative methods written by people who do qualitative research for a living...It is likely to become the standard manual on all graduate and undergraduate courses on qualitative methods' - Professor Robert Walker, School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham What exactly is qualitative research? What are the processes involved and what can it deliver as a mode of inquiry? Qualitative research is an exciting blend of scientific investigation and creative discovery. When properly executed, it can bring a unique understanding of people's lives which in turn can be used to deepen our understanding of society. It as a skilled craft used by practitioners and researchers in the 'real world'; this textbook illuminates the possibilities of qualitative research and presents a sequential overview of the process written by those active in the field.Qualitative Research Practice: - Leads the student or researcher through the entire process of qualitative research from beginning to end - moving through design, sampling, data collection, analysis and reporting. - Is written by practising researchers with extensive experience of conducting qualitative research in the arena of social and public policy - contains numerous case studies. - Contains plenty of pedagogical material including chapter summaries, explanation of key concepts, reflective points for seminar discussion and further reading in each chapter - Is structured and applicable for all courses in qualitative research, irrespective of field. Drawn heavily on courses run by the Qualitative Unit at the National Centre for Social Research, this textbook should be recommended reading for students new to qualitative research across the social sciences.

Carol is a Research Director in the Health and Wellbeing Team and joined NatCen in 2008. Carol has over ten years experience of qualitative research with 'hard to reach' and stigmatized populations, and has held research posts at the University of Edinburgh, University College London and the University of York. Her book 'Transitions through Homelessness' was published in 2008 by Palgrave Macmillan. This research theorized the risk negotiation strategies of people experiencing homelessness, using a qualitative longitudinal methodology. Since joining NatCen Carol has developed methodological interests in participatory approaches and online qualitative research with a particular focus on research with young people. Carol has managed studies for among others, the Home Office, the Government Equalities Office, Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the Wellcome Trust. Carol has a MA in Sociology, an MSc in Social Research from the University of Edinburgh and a PhD in Sociology and Urban Studies from the University of Glasgow.