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Qualitative Longitudinal Methods
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Mary Lynne Derrington’s Qualitative Longitudinal Methods: Researching Implementation and Change addresses the use of the qualitative longitudinal methods, their unique methodological features, and the challenges and benefits to this approach. This short supplemental text uses examples of published studies, and the author’s own stories and examples, to show application of the concepts. A chapter on how to prepare a manuscript for publication concentrates on the distinctive aspects of publishing longitudinal studies. The book will be useful to those researching change and its impact on organizations and individuals resulting from the implementation of programs and policies.

 
Preface
Why I Wrote This Book

 
Organization of the Book

 
 
Acknowledgements
 
Reviewers to Acknowledge
 
About the Author
 
Chapter 1. The Benefits and Challenges of Longitudinal Qualitative Studies
Describing Longitudinal Research

 
Qualitative Basics: A Review

 
The Value of Qualitative Longitudinal Studies

 
The Challenges of Qualitative Longitudinal Studies

 
Chapter Summary

 
Reflection Questions and Application Activities

 
 
Chapter 2. Designing Qualitative Longitudinal Studies
Design Basics in Qualitative Research

 
Expansion of the Basic Design

 
Chapter Summary

 
Reflection Questions and Application Activities

 
 
Chapter 3. Building on Qualitative Research With a Longitudinal Design
Historical Studies

 
Trend Studies

 
Ethnography

 
Autoethnography

 
Grounded Theory

 
Case Studies

 
Combined Methodologies and Methods

 
Chapter Summary

 
Reflection Questions and Application Activities

 
 
Chapter 4. Perspectives on the Two-Way Research Relationship
Balancing Personal and Professional Relationships With Participants

 
Giving Back to Participants

 
Ethical Considerations and Dilemmas

 
Chapter Summary

 
Reflection Questions and Application Activities

 
 
Chapter 5. Management of Longitudinal Data Throughout a Study
Keeping Coding Timely and Ongoing

 
Effective Organization

 
Chapter Summary

 
Reflection Questions and Application Activities

 
 
Chapter 6. Longitudinal Data Analysis
Approaches to Data Analysis

 
Visual Representations

 
Chapter Summary

 
Reflection Questions and Application Activities

 
 
Chapter 7. Preparing a Longitudinal Study for Publication
Digging Deeply for Meaning

 
Chapter Summary

 
Reflection Questions and Application Activities

 
 
Chapter 8. Conclusion: Legacies, Lessons, and Change
Leaving a Legacy

 
Learning From a Diary of Lessons

 
Checklist of Lessons

 
Chapter Summary

 
Reflection Questions and Application Activities

 
 
References
 
Appendix: Picturing Policy Implementation: An Ethnography of a Local Network, A Case Study by Pam Carter
 
Index

“Dr. Derrington covers an area that's often hard to cover, and she does it succinctly and clearly and rigorously. That's what we need in qualitative research endeavors. Instead of spending time apologizing that our methods are not quantitative, spend more time explaining what is we do as qualitative researchers. Derrington communicates it well!”

Tim Atkinson
University of Central Arkansas

“The material presented in the book provides information to qualitative researchers interested in conducting longitudinal studies. The information helps researchers build on their qualitative research skills.”

Lydia Kyei-Blankson
Illinois State University

“This book explores the intricacies of longitudinal qualitative research. It shares many of the pragmatic concerns centered in this research method. The author provides numerous examples to make this text come alive and provide models for researchers.”

Diane Barone
University of Nevada, Reno

“Mary Lynne Derrington provides clarity of purpose and intent about longitudinal research methods and approaches in a way that supports examining change over time. This is a book that I will use and recommend to others.”

Sally J. Zepeda
University of Georgia
Key features

KEY FEATURES: 

  • Excerpts from published studies illustrate application and show how to apply concepts
  • The accessible writing style makes topics easy to read, understand, and apply
  • Chapter opening objectives and end of chapter summaries offer organization to assist readers’ focus
  • The author's personal stories and examples make it easy to relate to the book contents
  • Tips on how to prepare a manuscript for publication provide critical tools to researchers

Sage College Publishing

You can purchase or sample this product on our Sage College Publishing site:

Go To College Site

This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.