The science of qualitative research /

Packer (psychology, Duquesne Univ.) begins by emphasizing that his book is not on how to do qualitative research, but rather, why one does qualitative research in the first place. The author introduces readers to historical, conceptual, and ethical aspects of qualitative research by primarily focusing on interviewing, ethnographic fieldwork, and analysis of interaction as the major practices of qualitative research. The book is divided into three parts. Chapters explore such topics as what science is, qualitative research interviews and the analysis of qualitative interviews, hermeneutics, interpretive social science, the social construction of reality, studying ontological work, qualitative research as critical inquiry, emancipatory inquiry as rational reconstruction, social science as participant objectification, archaeology, genealogy, and ethics. Though the titles may imply advanced discussion of the science of qualitative research, most of the chapters are interesting, well written, and very informative. There are a few figures; most chapters include tables and boxes. Researchers interested in the science of qualitative research will find this an important read. Required reading for upper-level courses in qualitative methods. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, faculty. P. J. Venturelli Valparaiso University