Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research
An Introduction
- Laura L. Ellingson - Santa Clara University, USA
Exploring Crystallization in Qualitative Research provides: thorough grounding in the field of qualitative research; answers to the relevant epistemological questions that arise when crossing inscribed methodological boundaries; detailed steps for design and planning; explication of the process of creating a multi-genre text and/or series of texts; suggestions for improving both social science and creative analytic writing; and strategies for targeting publication outlets.
While other books have explained how to write the "new ethnography" and autoethnography, and still others have described how to conduct grounded theory in more traditional, social constructionist, and postmodern, frameworks, this is the first work to date that has bridged these worlds in a "how to" book that celebrates each on its own terms, acknowledges inherent limitations of any genre, and explains how to integrate them through crystallization.
"[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."
"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."
Did not meet the needs for dissertation research design, however I am considering the book for my advanced qualitative methods course.
