Qualitative Research Methods

Provides step-by-step advice for traveling through a qualitative project from beginning to end

Qualitative Research Methods: Collecting Evidence, Crafting Analysis, Communicating Impact is designed to lead readers chronologically through every aspect of a qualitative research project. Covering both foundational theory and real-world practice, this reader-friendly guide reviews seven primary genres of qualitative research, including case study, ethnography, phenomenology, narrative inquiry, and creative, performative, and arts-based approaches. Author Sarah J. Tracy shares personal and backstage stories as she explains how to code data, craft meaningful claims, develop theoretical explanations, and present research to impact key stakeholders.

The third edition of Qualitative Research Methods integrates the latest developments in textual, media, visual, and digital analysis, including new coverage of social media data-scraping techniques, AI and ChatGPT, fieldwork and interviewing, digital ethnography, fraudulent participation concerns, and adopting digital and traditional archival approaches. Expanded sections explore topics such as intersectionality, ethics, social justice, online behavior, and neurodivergent populations in the context of qualitative research. Throughout this edition, a wealth of new examples, case studies, and discussion questions are accompanied by full-color visuals, up-to-date references, new “Project Building Blocks” activities, and much more.



Helps readers gather, organize, interpret, analyze, and communicate qualitative data
Introduces the unique PIQDA framework and the “Big Tent” model for qualitative quality
Presents innovative data collection methods and representation strategies, including virtual ethnography, photovoice, and mobile interviewing
Reviews academic genres aligned with qualitative research, such as grounded theory, autoethnography, and participatory action research
Contains hands-on resources that support readers at any stage of their research project
Includes access to a full-featured website with PowerPoint slides, a test bank, lesson plans, study guides, chapter worksheets, and additional activities

Employing a practical, problem-based contextual approach, Qualitative Research Methods: Collecting Evidence, Crafting Analysis, Communicating Impact, Third Edition, remains a must-have resource for undergraduate students and faculty across multiple disciplines, as well as researchers, ethnographers, and user experience professionals wanting to sharpen their qualitative methodological practice.