Qualitative Methods in Social Work Research

Dr. Deborah K. Padgett is widely known for her expertise in qualitative and mixed methods including this third edition and a companion text Qualitative and Mixed Methods in Public Health (Sage, 2012). She is first author of Housing First: Ending Homelessness, Transforming Systems and Changing Lives (Oxford University Press, 2015) and has published extensively on mental health needs and service use of homeless adults and other underserved populations. Dr. Padgett was Principal Investigator on two NIMH-funded R01 grants, both qualitative studies of engagement and recovery among formerly homeless adults in supportive housing in New York City.  She served as President of the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), culminating in the establishment of the SSWR "Deborah K. Padgett Early Career Award" in recognition of her contributions. She is a member of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare (AASWSW) and serves on its Board. In 2013, Dr. Padgett received New York University’s Distinguished Teaching Award.

• PREFACE1. The Qualitative Methods Family2. Choosing the Right Approach(es)3. Getting Started: Study Design and Sampling4. Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research5. Entering the Field and Conducting Observation6. Interviewing and Use of Documents7. Data Analysis and Interpretation8. Strategies for Rigor9. Telling the Story: Writing Up the Qualitative Study10. Mixed MethodsAPPENDIX: WRITING A QUALITATIVE METHODS PROPOSAL FOR EXTERNAL FUNDINGREFERENCESINDEXABOUT THE AUTHOR

This book is a must for any social worker interested in qualitative research. With a style that it is exceptionally easy to read, it provides all the basics around theory, the practical "how-to′s", cautions/pitfalls and as well as plentiful examples to illustrate the concepts presented. It also provides information about additional readings and resources for an area you want to delve further. It will answer many, if not all, the questions you have about qualitative research. The book will make you excited about qualitative methods, and is so interesting and enjoyable to read, that I read it cover to cover in less than a week. I could barely put it down! There aren′t a whole lot of other research books that can make that claim!