Essentials of Qualitative Inquiry by Maria J Mayan (Author)

Essentials of Qualitative Inquiry

Author: Maria J. Mayan

Overview

Essentials of Qualitative Inquiry by Maria J. Mayan is a concise, practical, and accessible guide designed for students, researchers, and professionals who want to understand the core principles of qualitative research. This book provides a step-by-step approach to conducting qualitative research, from developing research questions to data collection, analysis, and writing results.

Key Features & Highlights

1. Introduction to Qualitative Research

• Explains what qualitative research is, its purpose, and when to use it.
• Discusses how qualitative research differs from quantitative research.
• Covers various qualitative research traditions such as ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and narrative research.

2. Designing a Qualitative Study

• Guides readers on how to formulate research questions for qualitative inquiry.
• Discusses sampling techniques (e.g., purposive sampling, snowball sampling).
• Provides insights into choosing the right qualitative research approach based on study objectives.

3. Data Collection Methods

• Covers key qualitative data collection techniques, including:
  • Interviews (structured, semi-structured, and unstructured).
  • Focus groups and their role in gathering diverse perspectives.
  • Participant observation and fieldwork techniques.
  • Document analysis (texts, media, archival records).

4. Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Explains how to organize and manage qualitative data.
• Introduces coding techniques for identifying themes and patterns.
• Covers thematic analysis, discourse analysis, and grounded theory approaches.
• Discusses how to ensure rigor, trustworthiness, and credibility in qualitative research.

5. Writing and Presenting Qualitative Research

• Provides guidance on structuring qualitative research reports.
• Discusses how to present findings in a compelling and academically rigorous manner.
• Offers tips for publishing qualitative research in academic journals.

6. Ethical Considerations and Reflexivity

• Highlights ethical challenges in qualitative research and ways to address them.
• Discusses researcher reflexivity and positionality, emphasizing how researchers' backgrounds and biases shape their findings.
• Covers ethical approval processes and informed consent guidelines.

Why Read This Book?

✅ Beginner-Friendly – Written in clear and accessible language, making it ideal for students and new researchers.
✅ Practical Approach – Focuses on how to conduct qualitative research in real-world settings.
✅ Comprehensive Yet Concise – Covers all key aspects of qualitative research without overwhelming the reader.
✅ Ethical and Reflexive Focus – Emphasizes researcher reflexivity and ethical considerations.
✅ Useful Across Disciplines – Applicable to social sciences, healthcare, education, business, and humanities research.

Conclusion

Essentials of Qualitative Inquiry by Maria J. Mayan is an excellent introductory guide for anyone interested in qualitative research. Whether you are a student, researcher, or professional, this book will help you grasp the fundamentals of qualitative research and apply them effectively in your academic or professional work.