Qualitative Inquiry: A Dictionary of Terms

Focusing primarily on philosophical and methodological concepts rather than technical aspects of methods and procedures, this dictionary fills a crucial gap in the literature. In this indispensable volume, Thomas A Schwandt provides a guide to the terms and phrases which help shape the nature, purpose, logic, meaning and methods of qualitative inquiry. Intended as a reference book for this vocabulary, the volume examines the key concepts and issues which help shape the field. The definitions acknowledge the multiple and often-contested points of view that characterize qualitative inquiry.