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Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research
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Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research
An Introduction



August 2008 | 240 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

"This is the best book I have read in quite some time. Professor Ellingson writes clearly yet artfully and in a scholarly voice that is accessible to students and faculty alike. The weaving between description and illustrative case studies takes readers through the step-by-step journey of crystallization (as experienced and offered by Ellingson). The book is clearly grounded in philosophies of knowing and methods— yet, it offers practical strategies, questions, and choices for researchers."
— Lynn M. Harter, Ohio University

Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research, the first "how to" book to both explain and demonstrate crystallization methodology, offers a framework for blending grounded theory and other social scientific analyses with creative representations of data, such as narratives, poetry, and film. Author Laura L. Ellingson explores relevant epistemological questions that arise when crossing methodological boundaries, provides detailed steps for design and planning, offers guidelines for improving both social scientific and creative/artistic writing, and suggests strategies for targeting publication outlets for multigenre representations.

Features  

  • Articulates the principles of crystallization and how it enables researchers to both represent multiple perspectives on a phenomenon and highlight the partial nature of all claims of truth
  • Breaks down the qualitative research barriers between the grounded theorists and those who favor artistic, interpretive, and creative approaches, exemplifying the possibilities for all
  • Demonstrates the rich possibilities for blending social scientific, creative/artistic, and critical approaches to research
  • Provides hands-on strategies that help practitioners and students collect, analyze, and represent qualitative data through crystallization
  • Explores ethical challenges, the political nature of research findings, and the need for social justice activism among researchers
  • Illustrates concepts with exemplars, featuring cutting-edge research in social sciences, education, and allied health

Suitable for experienced practitioners and advanced students of qualitative methods, Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research is ideal for such courses as Intermediate/Advanced Qualitative Research, Ethnographic Methods, Grounded Theory, Field Research Methods, and Qualitative Inquiry.


 
1. Introduction to Crystallization
Constructing Crystallization

 
Considering Genres

 
Resisting Dichotomies: A Continuum of Qualitative Methods

 
Principles of Crystallization

 
Facets of the Crystal: Types of Crystallization

 
Strengths of Crystallization

 
Limitations of Crystallization

 
Ethnographic Exemplars

 
Organization of This Book

 
Conclusion: Frequently Asked Questions About Crystallization

 
Interlude: Introducing the Author

 
 
2. Ethics and Epistemology: Assumptions Underlying Crystallization
What Is Epistemology and Why Does It Matter in Crystallization?

 
Making Knowledge: An Epistemological Basis for Crystallization

 
Voicing Other and Self: Ethics of Representation

 
First Do No Harm: Some Ethical Cautions

 
Strategies for Ethical Decision Making in Crystallization

 
Conclusion

 
Interlude: The Limits of Genre--An Exercise About Ethics and the Construction of Claims

 
 
3. Illuminating Options for Analysis and Representation Across the Continuum
Traditional Forms of Analysis

 
Same Old, Same Old: The Value of Traditional Qualitative Writing

 
Aesthetics and Analysis: Hybrids of Art and Science

 
Aesthetic Possibilities: Creative Analytic Practices

 
Conclusion

 
Interlude: Resisting Dichotomy, Embracing Continuum

 
 
4. Strategies for Design: Putting Crystallization Into Practice
Wondering

 
Weighing Your Options

 
Re/considering the Role of Theory

 
Decide on a Design

 
Conclusion

 
Interlude: Beware the Law of the Hammer

 
 
5. Bringing It All Together: Integrated Crystallization
Creating a Coherent Multigenre Text

 
Blending Genres and Blurring Boundaries: Woven Crystallization

 
Woven Crystallization Exemplars

 
Sharpening Edges and Separating Spaces: Patched Crystallization

 
Patched Crystallization Exemplars

 
Issues in Constructing Integrated Crystallization

 
Interlude: Quilting as Activism

 
 
6. All Apart: Dendritic Crystallization
Dendritic Practices

 
Benefits of Dendritic Crystallization

 
Dispersing Crystallized Findings

 
A Dendritic Exemplar

 
But Is This Really Crystallization?

 
Interlude: Coincidence, Synchronicity, and Putting It Out to the Universe

 
 
7. Writing Across the Continuum
Evaluating Writing and Representation

 
Improving your Process

 
Writing Well

 
Bag of Tricks

 
Conclusion

 
Interlude: Representing Difference

 
Writing Resources

 
 
8. Publishing and Promoting Crystallization
Lessons of Crystallization

 
Call to Action: Employing Crystallization to Promote Social Justice

 
Getting the World Out: Pursuing Publication

 
Justifying Your Work

 
Enclosing Wild Power: A Conclusion/Invitation

 
Interlude: When Your Work Is Rejected

 

"[This] book emphasizes effective communication and how to articulate complex information to an audience. Although the book is intended primarily for qualitative researchers, I believe it may be an equally important work for quantitative researchers. In reading this book, I have gained a deeper appreciation for qualitative research in general and a better understanding of how different methods can be applied toward understanding truth."

Karl N. Kelley
North Central College, Naperville
PsycCRITIQUES

"The book's key strength is its informed style and uplifting optimism about the future not only of qualitative research but of research at large...the book offers many ideas for researchers to play with and is a thorough and illuminating introduction to the theories, procedures, and politics of qualitative inquiry and publishing."

Jimmie Manning
Northern Kentucky University
The Southern Communication Journal

Did not meet the needs for dissertation research design, however I am considering the book for my advanced qualitative methods course.

Patrick Jenlink
Secondary Leadership Educ Dept, Stephen F Austin State University
May 11, 2013
Key features
  • The first "how do" book that explains and demonstrates crystallization methodology.
  • Breaks down the qualititative research barriers between the grounded theory "camp" and those who favor artistic, interpretive, creative approaches—exposing the fertile ground found between these two poles and exemplifying the possibilities for all.
  • Extending upon the work presented in her multi-award-winning book, Communicating in the Clinic—wherein Ellingson modeled crystallization by alternating between grounded theory, ethnographic storytelling, and autoethnography—in this book she teaches others how to do it, providing practical guidance for researchers' and students' implementation, thereby de-mystifying the process.