"An Introduction to Qualitative Research is a carefully constructed textbook providing a comprehensive, accessible and timely introduction to the theory and practice of qualitative research." "All the major theories, methods and new approaches are presented in an accessible manner. These include how to construct and interpret verbal data, such as interviews and biographies, visual and observational data with practical information on how to document, analyse, code and categorize data." "The text incorporates many practical examples, summary boxes and further reading suggestions to guide the reader to classic works and references. There is also valuable advice on how to write up qualitative research and an outline of recent perspectives and trends in qualitative research, such as the use of computers and the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods."--BOOK JACKET.