Understanding and Evaluating Qualitative Educational Research
"I very much appreciatedUnderstanding and Evaluating Qualitative Educational Researchas a resource to help those new to educational research to understand what the different approaches are and how they can be critiqued through the research literature. Lichtman’s approach to the problem of enabling neophyte researchers (although often experienced in professional practice as educators) is to choose two examples from the research literature which exemplify a particular approach. Each chapter provides an overview of the approach and then the two articles which she critiques by a running commentary alongside each article. I found this format very helpful. She has chosen articles which do not necessarily provide a ‘best practice’model and this helps the reader begin to identify what information is missing, what is contentious and how particular approaches have specific discourses and ways of examining the world. This book provides a gentle way to examine paradigms and methodologies and it will certainly be one that I recommend to my students and colleagues."(Yvonne HillierHigher Education Review, Vol 43, No 2, 2011. ISSN 0018-1609.2011-01-03)The friendly, accessible tone of the book invites otherwise intimidated students to engage with qualitative research. Reading Dr. Lichtman's personal notes alongside the text provides support in understanding concepts that might have been overlooked by the novice. It is as if the reader has a personal "professor" guiding them through this new territory.The book is also easy to navigate. The author clearly prepared readers for what was to come by previewing each chapter, explaining the organization of each chapter as well as the book itself. The references utilized in writing this book include the heroes of the qualitative world, such as Lincoln, Creswell, and Denzin.Knowing that the readers of this book are most likely students, the author gives advice regarding how to inject life into the writing of research and encourages the use of engaging, stimulating communication skills. Students are even provided sage advice for navigating through graduate school.(Debra Phillips 2010-11-29)