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Doing Naturalistic Inquiry
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Doing Naturalistic Inquiry
A Guide to Methods



August 1993 | 224 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
While much has been written on alternative paradigm research, there is little concrete advice on how to effectively use the theoretical notions of naturalistic inquiry in practice. Doing Naturalistic Inquiry is the practical guide designed to help beginning researchers apply the constructivist paradigm. Based upon the theoretical work of Lincoln and Guba in developing the naturalisticor constructivist--paradigm, Erlandson and his colleagues show readers how these ideas shape the practice of conducting alternative paradigm research. The book covers the research process from design through data collection analysis and presentation and examines important issues generally minimized in positivist research texts ethics, trustworthiness, and authenticity. Cases from a wide variety of disciplines demonstrate the efficacy of the methods described.

Doing Naturalistic Inquiry is a highly useful teaching tool for anyone using a constructivist lens on research.
 
A Posture Toward Research
The Need for a New Paradigm

 
 
The Process of Inquiry
Some Basic Considerations

 
 
Getting Started on the Study
 
Designing a Naturalistic Inquiry
 
Gathering Data
 
Data Analysis
 
Quality Criteria for a Naturalistic Study
 
Preparing the Report

"This book is as good a practical guide to naturalistic inquiry as one could hope for at this time. It is clear, it is practical, it is stimulating, it leads, it guides, it inspires. The authors provide action-based legitimation for naturalistic inquiry. If the question, 'It all sounds good, but does it work?' is a reasonable one to pose, this book demonstrates that naturalistic inquiry works. The authors are to be congratulated for a splendid contribution."

from the Foreword by Egon G. Guba

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