Policy Press

Qualitative Research Methods for Everyone

An Essential Toolkit

By Karen O’Reilly

Published

Mar 25, 2025

Page count

288 pages

ISBN

978-1447372158

Dimensions

244 x 170 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 25, 2025

Page count

288 pages

ISBN

978-1447372141

Dimensions

244 x 170 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 25, 2025

Page count

288 pages

ISBN

978-1447372165

Dimensions

244 x 170 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
Qualitative Research Methods for Everyone

Whether you’re a student, academic, or practitioner working in an applied setting, this text will lead you through the complex terrain of contemporary qualitative research methods.

Written by renowned sociologist Karen O’Reilly, the book distils decades of experience into a valuable toolkit of lessons and insights. Key highlights include:

• tackling challenging issues like how many interviews are enough and what does reflexivity look like in practice;

• a keen focus on what the time-constrained researcher needs to know, delivering essential knowledge efficiently and imaginatively;

• pedagogical features like dos and don’ts, neat summaries, and creative solutions.

Bridging theory and practice, and packed with a wealth of advice, useful tips and resources for further reading, this is the definitive guide to contemporary qualitative research for beginners and seasoned researchers.

“This is a fantastic book, a 'must' read for all tutors, students and practitioners of qualitative research methods. Creative and innovative examples will inspire beginners as well as more experienced researchers. It is beautifully and clearly written and delivers an excellent toolkit across the entire trajectory from research design to communicating your findings. I will use and share it for years to come!” Maggie O'Neill, University College Cork

“This is the perfect introduction to qualitative research. O'Reilly draws on her unparalleled talent and experience of undertaking and instructing in qualitative research to deliver this brilliantly lucid and outstandingly rigorous guide to the theory, practice and ethics of qualitative research. Packed with clear up-to-date discussions, fascinating examples, excellent tips and an accessible toolbox, this book is an essential go-to text for anyone interested in qualitative research.” Sarah Pink, Monash University

Karen O’Reilly is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Loughborough University and a freelance qualitative research trainer.

1. Designing Qualitative Research

2. Developing the Design

3. Being Ethical and Reflexive

4. Interviewing

5. Group Discussions

6. Being Ethnographic

7. Being Creative

8. Analysing and Interpreting

9. Communicating