Eisikovits, Z., and C.Koren. (2010) Approaches to and outcomes of dyadic interview analysis. Qualitative Health Research 20,:1642–55. doi:10.1177/1049732310376520.

Forbat, L., and J.Henderson. (2003) “Stuck in the middle with you”: The ethics and process of qualitative research with two people in an intimate relationship. Qualitative Health Research 13:1453–62. doi:10.1177/1049732303255836.

Ummel, D., and M.Achille. (2016) How not to let secrets out when conducting qualitative research with dyads. Qualitative Health Research 26:807–15.

Ethics in Qualitative Research

Miller, T., Birch, M., Mauthner, M., & Jessop, J. (2012) Ethics in Qualitative Research. SAGE Publications Ltd.

This is a useful book to help with thinking about ethical issues in a bit more depth, and covers a wide range of research types and scenarios. (CM)

Forbat, L. , and J.Henderson . 2005. Theoretical and practical reflections on sharing transcripts with participants. Qualitative Health Research 15:1114–28. (AS)

Pittaway E. Bartoloemi L., Hugman R. (2010) ‘Stop Stealing Our Stories’: The Ethics of Research with Vulnerable Groups. Journal of Human Rights Practice Vol 2 | Number 2 | June 2010 | pp. 229–251 DOI:10.1093/jhuman/huq004

Framework Method

Gale, N.K., Heath, G., Cameron, E. et al. Using the framework method for the analysis of qualitative data in multi-disciplinary health research. BMC Med Res Methodol 13, 117 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-13-117

Short and sweet – it neatly captures the defining processes of Framework. (VL)

Ritchie J, Lewis J, McNaughton Nicholls C & Ormston (2014) Qualitative Research Practice: A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers. Los Angeles: Sage.

As above, I love this book, and chapters 8 and 9 provide a great exposition of Framework. (VL)

General Qualitative Analysis

Neale, J. (2016) Iterative categorisation (IC): a systematic technique for analysing qualitative data. Addiction,111(6),1096-1106.

Demystifies the coding process and gives a fantastic step-by-step guide. (VL)

Saldana, J. (2015) The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers. Third Edition. Sage

This is great for helping researchers move beyond the first, descriptive coding phase to an interpretive and analytical account of the data. (AS)

Braun & Clarke. Can I use TA? Should I use TA? Should I not use TA? Comparing reflexive thematic analysis and other pattern‐based qualitative analytic approaches. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research. First published: 18 October 2020

Helpful summary of how Thematic Analysis methods and conceptual foundations compare with other cross-case analytical approaches, including content analysis, IPA and Grounded Theory. (VL)

Grounded Theory

Charmaz, C. (2017) Continuities, contradictions, and critical inquiry in Grounded Theory. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16, 1-8.

A superb overview of the defining features and variations in grounded theory. (VL)

Annells, M. 1996. Grounded theory method: Philosophical perspectives, paradigm of inquiry, and postmodernism. Qualitative Health Research, 6, 379-393.

This paper provides a summary of the evolving nature of the ontological, epistemological, and methodological underpinnings of grounded theory method. A useful read for those using grounded theory and considering their epistemological position. (CL)

Glaser, B. (1978). Theoretical Sensitivity: advances in the methodology of grounded theory. California, Sociology Press.

Essential reading for anyone interested in taking a Glaserian approach to Grounded Theory. Glaser sets out his approach with passion and clarity (VL).

Strauss, A. and Corbin, J. (1990) Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques.

The first edition sparked a rift between the co-founders of grounded theory. Now on its 4th edition, it is a highly practical guide to the techniques that underpin a Straussian approach. (VL)

Charmaz, K. (2014) Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis (2nd Ed.). London: Sage Publications

For those interested in approaching Grounded Theory from a constructivist perspective. (VL)

Hall, W. & Callery, P. 2001. Enhancing the Rigor of Grounded Theory: incorporating reflexivity and relationality. Qualitative Health Research, 11, (2) 257–272. (AS)

Kathy Charmaz & Robert Thornberg(2021) The pursuit of quality in grounded theory, Qualitative Research in Psychology, 18:3, 305-327. (VL)

Keane (2015) Considering the practical implementation of constructivist grounded theory in a study of widening participation in Irish higher education, International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 18:4, 415-431.

Useful reflections on the practical implementation of constructivist grounded theory principles. (VL)

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)

Smith, J., Flowers, P., Larkin M (2009) Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method & Research. London: Sage Publications Ltd.

This text outlines the theoretical foundations and provides a detailed guide to conducting IPA research. (CL)

Introduction to Qualitative Research

Moriarty J (2011) Qualitative methods overview. NIHR School for Social Care Research:
Link to PDF.

A concise and clearly written overview of qualitative methods and methodologies – a great introduction for novices. (VL)

Ritchie J, Lewis J, McNaughton Nicholls C & Ormston (2014) Qualitative Research Practice: A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers. Los Angeles, Sage

Accessible guidance on how to conduct rigorous, applied research. Every chapter, from theoretical perspectives to framework, is a winner. The most well thumbed social science book on my bookshelf . (VL)

Pope, C. & Mays, N. (2020) Qualitative Research in Health Care. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell

This is a good introduction to qualitative research and covers theory, ethics, data collection, and analysis all with consideration to specific issues in health care. (CM)

Lincoln, Y. & Guba, E. 1985. Naturalistic Inquiry Thousand Oaks, CA, London and New Delhi, Sage.

This one is fairly hard going but can be invaluable in thinking through concepts in and approaches to qualitative research. (AS)

Torelli, J. 2019. On Entering the Field: Notes from a Neophyte Researcher

This paper presents a PhD student's in-depth reflections on their first experience of qualitative fieldwork, an excellent read for all those starting qualitative research. (AI)

Mixed Methods

Tashakori A and Teddlie C (2015) Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social & Behavioral Research. 2nd Edition. Sage.

Bergman M (2008) Advances in Mixed Methods Research: Theories and Applications. Sage

Narrative Inquiry

Andrews, M., Squire, C., & Tamboukou, M. (2008). Doing narrative research. Los Angeles: SAGE.

Narrative inquiry covers a vast array of approaches and can feel utterly bewildering. I would not have had the confidence to use it without this book, which is great both on theory and practical applications. (VL)

Murray M. Levels of Narrative Analysis in Health Psychology. Journal of Health Psychology. 2000;5(3):337-347.

I found this is very helpful way of conceptualising the different levels of narrative analysis within health psychology. (VL)

Participatory Research

Cornwall, Andrea and Rachel Jewkes R. (1995) What is participatory research? Social Science & Medicine, 41: 1667–1676.

Nelson G., Ochocka J., Griffin K., Lord J (1998) "Nothing About Me, Without Me": Participatory Action Research with Self-Help/Mutual Aid Organizations for Psychiatric Consumer/Survivors, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal; Spring 2002; 25, 4; Social Science Premium Collection. 379

Oliver, K., Kothari, A. & Mays, N. (2019). The dark side of coproduction: do the costs outweigh the benefits for health research?. Health Res Policy Sys 17, 33

Williams, O., Sarre, S., Papoulias, S.C. et al. Lost in the shadows: reflections on the dark side of co-production. Health Res Policy Sys 18, 43 (2020).

Williams, O., Robert, G., Martin, G. P., Hanna, E., O’Hara, J. (2020) Is co-production just really good PPI? Making sense of patient and public involvement and co-production networks.

Qualitative Diary Methods

Milligan, C., & Bartlett, R. (2015) What is diary method? Bloomsbury Academic.

A comprehensive introduction to using solicited diary methods in qualitative research. (CM)

Qualitative Research in Trials

O'Cathain, A. (2018) A Practical Guide to Using Qualitative Research with Randomized Controlled Trials. Oxford. Oxford University Press

A useful guide that I frequently consult when thinking about how to maximise the value of qualitative research in trials. (VL)

Qualitative Synthesis

Thorne S. (2017) Metasynthetic Madness: What Kind of Monster Have We Created? Qualitative Health Research;27(1):3-12.

I advise all researchers to read this before embarking on a qualitative synthesis. (VL)

Thomas, J., Harden, A. (2008) Methods for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research in systematic reviews. BMC Med Res Methodol; 8, 45.

Reflexivity

Finlay, L. & Gough, B. 2003. Reflexivity: a practical guide for researchers in health and social science, Oxford, UK, Blackwell Publishing.

A practical guide that examines reflexivity at different stages of the research process. (CL)

Barbara Probst, The Eye Regards Itself: Benefits and Challenges of Reflexivity in Qualitative Social Work Research, Social Work Research, Volume 39, Issue 1, March 2015, Pages 37–48, doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/svu028

A helpful discussion of what reflexivity can mean in practice. (VL)

Rigour and Critical Appraisal

Mays, N. & Pope, C. 1995. Qualitative research: Rigour and qualitative research. The British Medical Journal, 311.

This paper provides a clear and comprehensive methodological checklist to assess the quality of qualitative research (CL).

Tong, A., Sainsbury, P. & Craig, J. 2007. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 19, 349-357

This paper outlines a 32 item checklist for reporting interview and focus group studies. The checklist is a useful tool for critical appraisal, as well as a guide for reporting/writing up (CL).

Tong, A., Flemming, K., McInnes, E., Oliver, S. & Craig, J. 2012. Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research: ENTREQ. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 12, 181.

This paper outlines a 21 item checklist for reporting the synthesis of qualitative research. The checklist is a useful tool for critical appraisal, as well as a guide for reporting/writing up (CL).

Jessica Nina Lester & Michelle O’Reilly (2021) Introduction to Special Issue Quality in Qualitative Approaches: Celebrating Heterogeneity, Qualitative Research in Psychology, 18:3, 295-304, DOI: 10.1080/14780887.2021.1931734 . Table of contents: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/uqrp20/18/3

This special issue contains many articles on quality and rigour in qualitative research and is well worth a read.

Sample Size

Braun, V. & Clarke, V. (2021) To saturate or not to saturate? Questioning data saturation as a useful concept for thematic analysis and sample-size rationales, Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 13:2, 201-216.

Useful critique of the role of saturation in the different approaches to Thematic Analysis

Malterud, K., Siersma, V., & Guassora, A. (2016). Sample size in qualitative interview studies: Guided by information power. Qualitative Health Research, 26, 1753–1760.

Morse, J. (2000). Determining sample size. Qualitative Health Research, 10(1), 3–5. doi:10.1177/104973200129118183

Saunders, B., Sim, J., Kingstone, T. et al. Saturation in qualitative research: exploring its conceptualization and operationalization. Qual Quant 52, 1893–1907 (2018).

Very clear account of the nature, purposes and uses of saturation. (VL)

Survivor Research and Involvement in Research

Faulkner, A. (2004) The Ethics of Survivor Research: guidelines for the ethical conduct of research carried out by mental health service users and survivors Bristol, Policy Press on behalf of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Sweeney A, Beresford P, Faulkner A, Nettle M, & Rose D (Eds) (2009) This is Survivor Research. PCCS: Monmouth.

Russo, J (2012) Survivor-controlled research: a new foundation for thinking about psychiatry and mental health. Forum: Qualitative Social Research 13, Art 8. doi: 10.17169/fqs-13.1.1790

Shimmin C, Wittmeier KDM, Lavoie JG, Wicklund ED, Sibley KM. (2017) Moving towards a more inclusive patient and public involvement in health research paradigm: the incorporation of a trauma‐informed intersectional analysis. BMC Health Serv Res; 17: 539.

Gillard S, Simons L TK et al. (2012) Patient and public involvement in the coproduction of knowledge: reflection on the analysis of qualitative data in a mental health study. Qual Health Res;22(8):1126–37

Thematic Analysis

Braun, V & Clarke, V (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3 (2), 77-101.

A classic for a reason. Braun and Clark walk the reader through the different stages of the analysis process, highlighting key issues for consideration at each stage. (VL)

Braun, V & Clarke, V (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11:4, 589-597.

An important update offering further insights and reflections on working with thematic analysis.

Trainor, L. R. & Bundon, A. (2021). Developing the craft: reflexive accounts of doing reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 13(5), 705-726.

A hugely helpful description of and reflection on the process of doing thematic analysis.

Theoretical perspectives

Cresswell, J. W. 2016. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions, London, Sage publications Ltd.

A good place to start. An easily accessible text that considers and compares the philosophical underpinnings and key elements of five approaches to qualitative inquiry; narrative research, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study. (CL)

Harding, S. ed. 1987 Feminism and Methodology Bloomington, Indiana University Press (AS)

Crotty, Michael, author. The Foundations of Social Research : Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process. London; Thousand Oaks, Calif., Sage Publications, 2003.

A clearly written exposition of the theoretical considerations of the research process. (VL)

Staller, K. M. 2013. Epistemological boot camp: The politics of science and what every qualitative researcher needs to know to survive in the academy. Qualitative Social Work, 12(4), 395–413

Makes explicit the link between ontology, epistemology, methodology and methods and provides the reader with tools to defend their work from misplaced critiques. (VL)

Jackson, A. Y. and Mazzei, L. A. Thinking with Theory in Qualitative Research. 2011, Routledge.

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