Rocking Qualitative Social Science: An Irreverent Guide to Rigorous Research

Rocking Qualitative Social Science is a book that provides an entertaining treatise, corrective vision, and rigorously informative guidebook for qualitative research methods that have long been dismissed in deference to traditional scientific methods. It argues that properly nourished qualitative research can generate important, creative, and even paradigm-shifting insights and is designed to help people conduct good qualitative research, talk about their research, and evaluate other scholars' work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: Stanford University Press

The rock climber stands apart from other athletes, often defying conventional norms of style and technique in their pursuit of reaching the next foothold. This figure serves as an apt analogy for the scholar at the heart of this remarkable book. In Rocking Qualitative Social Science, Ashley Rubin presents an engaging treatise, a corrective vision, and a meticulously informative guidebook for qualitative research methods that have long been marginalized in favor of traditional scientific approaches. Recognizing the formidable challenges faced by many, particularly junior social science scholars who grapple with adapting their research models to rigid notions of right, Rubin argues that properly nourished qualitative research possesses the potential to yield significant, innovative, and even paradigm-shifting insights. This book is meticulously crafted to assist individuals in conducting robust qualitative research, engaging in meaningful discussions about their findings, and critically evaluating the work of fellow scholars. Drawing upon her extensive experiences in both research and personal life, Rubin offers invaluable tools for qualitative scholars, synthesizes the most effective advice, and addresses the pervasive anxiety prevalent in academia. Ultimately, this book contends that rigorous research can be far from rigid.

Introduction:
Qualitative research has often been overlooked or undervalued in the realm of social science, often being relegated to the periphery in favor of more quantitative methods. However, as Ashley Rubin argues in her book, Rocking Qualitative Social Science, qualitative research possesses unique strengths and can offer valuable insights that are often overlooked by traditional scientific approaches.

The Value of Qualitative Research:
Qualitative research focuses on understanding the complexities and nuances of human experiences and behaviors. It allows researchers to explore the subjective meanings and interpretations that individuals attach to their experiences and to gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural contexts in which they operate. By employing qualitative methods, researchers can uncover hidden patterns, uncover biases, and identify new perspectives that may not be apparent through quantitative analysis.

Challenges Faced by Qualitative Researchers:
One of the primary challenges faced by qualitative researchers is the need to develop robust and reliable research methods. Qualitative research often involves the collection of rich and detailed data, which can be time-consuming and challenging to analyze. Additionally, qualitative research requires a different approach to data analysis, which may require researchers to develop new skills and techniques.

Rocking Qualitative Social Science:
In Rocking Qualitative Social Science, Rubin provides a comprehensive guide to qualitative research methods. She begins by discussing the theoretical foundations of qualitative research and then moves on to provide practical tips and techniques for conducting qualitative research. Rubin emphasizes the importance of reflexivity in qualitative research, which involves reflecting on the researcher's own biases and assumptions and how they may impact the research process.

Conclusion:
Rocking Qualitative Social Science is a valuable resource for social science scholars who are interested in exploring the complexities of human experiences and behaviors. By providing a comprehensive and practical guide to qualitative research methods, Rubin encourages scholars to embrace the value of qualitative research and to develop the skills and techniques necessary to conduct robust and reliable research. As social science continues to evolve, it is essential that we recognize the diverse range of research methods and approaches that can contribute to our understanding of the world.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503611399