Table of Contents Essentials of Qualitative Inquiry Maria J. Mayan 172 pp. / 6.00 x 9.00 / May, 2009 Hardback (978-1-59874-106-3) Paperback (978-1-59874-107-0) Hardback ($79.00) Paperback ($22.95)    Series   - Qualitative Essentials Related Interest   - Qualitative Research & Methods This brief, inexpensive guide introduces students and novices to the key elements of qualitative research methods. Written in a friendly, conversational style, replete with good examples from multiple "In her book, Essentials of Qualitative Inquiry, Maria J. Mayan has provided a highly readable text. Using examples, tables, charts, plus exercises at the end of each chapter, a student new to the field, or an instructor looking for a useful text will find a good companion in this book. In addition to her thorough teaching, Maria Mayan uses humor, humility, and transparency to convey her deep moral and philosophical commitment to scientific rigor, as well as a deep sensitivity to honoring the stories researchers strive to tell about the human condition." - Jacquelyn Browne, The Weekly Qualitative Report "This clearly written book is an invaluable guide to qualitative research methodology. The key features of interpretive inquiry are addressed in accessible language, from theory, to issues of design, analysis, ethics, and writing. It is a welcome addition to the qualitative inquiry book shelf." - Norman K. Denzin, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana "Over the decades, as interest in qualitative research has grown, newcomers ask me for some way to explore the territory, to find out what all the fuss is about, and what the elusive concept means. Most of what I\'ve seen has been too narrow, too opaque, too much aimed at insiders, or too 'Ten Days to a More Qualitative Personality.' Mayan's book is an accessible view of complicated and rich-- and interesting-- alternative approaches to the problem of humans understanding each other and making the case that they got it right. This is the book I can recommend." - Michael Agar, emeritus, University of Maryland disciplines, student exercises, and key points to remember, the volume works ideally with other qualitative textbooks to provide a comprehensive overview to qualitative methods for students. Chapters cover the essentials of theory building, research design, methods, data collection and analysis, writing, ethics, rigor and proposal writing.