Book Review : Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke, Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners

Abstract

As suggested by its title, Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners is written for beginners venturing into qualitative research, especially from a perspective of “Big Q qualitative research” or research undertaken within a “qualitative paradigm” (p. 4). In describing ‘qualitative paradigm,’ the authors refer to the key assumptions underlying primarily the interpretive/constructivist (Haverkamp & Young, 2007) tradition and the research procedure introduced in the book is located within these assumptions. Although occasional references are made to the positivistic tradition, it is largely for comparison purposes. At the outset, the authors state that the book is intended mainly for undergraduate or taught postgraduate students within the field of psychology; however, they note that it would be useful for students of other social disciplines as well. True to this claim, the guidelines provided in the book could easily be adopted by students undertaking qualitative research in the arena of Business. In describing the target audience, the book probably specifically names “taught” postgraduate students (p. 14) because it adopts a practical approach in providing guidelines on how to do a qualitative research rather than engage in, in-depth theoretical discussions on research methodology. Although such theoretical knowledge is vital for students engaged in higher levels of postgraduate research, this book can provide guidelines on the practical aspects of carrying out the project even for postgraduate research students (MPhil and PhD). It could also be used by instructors as a text book for research methods courses. Some features of the book are of special value for this intended readership. Each chapter comprises ‘Boxes’ which the authors use for providing additional information about key concepts and practices. There are also “Illustrative research examples” for the content of the chapters as well as “Material examples,” which are examples of research instruments such as interview guides. The discussion questions, further reading and online resources provided at the end of the chapter are useful especially when using the book as the text of a research methods course. The ‘overview’ at the beginning and ‘chapter summary’ at the end of each chapter provides quick reference points for the chapter contents. The book also has a companion website that offers additional resources such as multiple-choice questions, additional exercises and readings.