Main description:

Qualitative Methods in Public Health: A Field Guide for Applied Research, 2nd Edition provides a practical orientation to conducting effective qualitative research in the public health sphere. With thorough examination and simple explanations, this book guides you through the logic and workflow of qualitative approaches, with step-by-step guidance on every phase of the research. Students learn how to identify and make use of theoretical frameworks to guide your study, design the study to answer specific questions, and achieve their research goals. Data collection, analysis, and interpretation are given close attention as the backbone of a successful study, and expert insight on reporting and dissemination helps you get your work noticed. This second edition features new examples from global health, including case studies specifically illustrating study design, web and mobile technologies, mixed methods, and new innovations in information dissemination. Pedagogical tools have been added to help enhance your understanding of research design and implementation, and extensive appendices show you how these concepts work in practice.
Qualitative research is a powerful tool for public health, but it's very easy to get it wrong. Careful study design and data management are critical, and it's important to resist drawing conclusions that the data cannot support. This book shows you how to conduct high-quality qualitative research that stands up to review.

Contents:

List of Figures, Tables, and Boxes xiii List of Case Studies xvii Foreword xix Acknowledgments xxi About the Authors xxiii Chapter 1: Invitation to Explore 1 Our Purpose 2 What Is Qualitative Research? 4 Getting Started 11 Key Terms 13 Review Questions 14 References 14 Chapter 2: The Language and Logic of Qualitative Research 17 Frameworks for Research: Paradigms, Theories, and Conceptual Models 18 Using Qualitative Methods to Develop Theory 27 Substantive Theories and Conceptual Models 28 Standards for Qualitative Research 35 Summary 38 Key Terms 39 Recommended Readings 40 Review Questions 40 References 40 Chapter 3: Designing the Study 45 Background and Rationale 47 Developing Study Objectives 53 Using Documentary Sources 54 Data From Human Subjects 55 Data Collection Methods 61 Collecting Data 71 Analyzing the Data 72 Disseminating Results 74 Research Ethics: Decisions for the Protection of Study Participants 74 Other Considerations: Budget and Time 78 Summary 79 Key Terms 79 Recommended Readings 81 Review Questions 81 References 81 Chapter 4: Collecting Qualitative Data 85 Observation 86 Interviews and Focus Groups 98 Structured Data Collection Techniques 127 Summary 134 Key Terms 135 Review Questions 137 Recommended Readings 137 References 138 Chapter 5: Logistics in the Field 143 Introduction to the Community: Building Rapport 145 Involving Policymakers and Change Agents 148 Developing the Field Team 150 Training 152 Field Materials 157 Pilot Testing 158 Field Logistics 159 Supervision and Monitoring 161 Generating Data Files 162 Transcription and Translation 163 Data Management and Storage 165 Timelines and Budgets 166 Summary 168 Key Terms 169 Review Questions 170 Recommended Readings 170 References 171 Chapter 6: Qualitative Data Analysis 173 Basic Steps in Qualitative Data Analysis 175 Step 1. Reading: Developing an Intimate Relationship with the Data 176 Step 2. Coding: Identifying the Emerging Themes 179 Computer Software 189 Step 3. Displaying Data: Distinguishing Nuances of a Topic 199 Developing Hypotheses, Questioning, and Verifying 201 Step 4. Data Reduction: Getting the Big Picture 204 Step 5. Interpretation 207 Establishing Trustworthiness 212 Summary 215 Key Terms 216 Review Questions 217 Recommended Readings 217 References 217 Chapter 7: Disseminating Qualitative Research 219 Research Ethics Require Dissemination 222 An Inclusive Dissemination Process Promotes Use 223 How to Develop a Communication and Dissemination Strategy 224 Choosing a Format for Dissemination 240 Summary 249 Key Terms 250 Review Questions 250 Recommended Readings 250 References 251 Chapter 8: Putting It Into Words 255 The Role of Writing in Responsible Conduct of Research 256 Before You Write 258 Writing Your Article or Report 267 After You Write 284 Summary 291 Key Terms 292 Review Questions 292 Recommended Readings 292 References 293 Appendix 1: Case Studies 295 Appendix 2: Examples of Oral Consent Forms 347 Appendix 3: Participant Observation Notes 351 Appendix 4: Topic Guides With Pictures 359 Appendix 5: Sample Interviewer Training Program Agendas and Training Schedules 369 Appendix 6: Sample Budget Categories for Planning Qualitative Data Collection 373 Appendix 7: Coding Summary Report 377 Appendix 8: Example of Data Analysis Memo 383 Appendix 9: Making Study Findings Accessible to Other Researchers 387 Appendix 10: Dissemination Materials for Community Stakeholders 395 Appendix 11: Sample Briefs to Share Qualitative Study Findings with Policy Audiences 405 Appendix 12: Sample Dissemination Strategy for Advocacy 413 Appendix 13: Where to Publish 417 Appendix 14: Who Is an Author? 431 Index 433