Finding Credible Sources

CREDIBLE SOURCES USED WHEN DEVELOPING QUALITATIVE RESERCH PROJECT Source 1 Qualitative Research: Defining and Designing. Sage publications http://www.google.co.za/url?url=http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/48453_ch_1.pdf&rct=j&frm=1&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ei=q5yUU4b6O-Pb7AblkoDwDw&ved=0CBkQFjAA&sig2=ZR2fh3aeEDXeRWLHepxJZA&usg=AFQjCNHJZg0p2rksGpbwU_Yw4GS_Ys9P2w The writing states that ultimately, there is no right or wrong way of conducting a qualitative research project. Some approaches are more favorable than others. Qualitative research is placed the observer in the universe. It consists of a set of interpretive, material practices that makes the world visible. It turns the universe into a series of presentation and narrates the story in a natural form by its naturalistic approach to the world. The reason for choosing this publication as a credible source is that the author recognises that there is no ultimate definition to qualitative research. The other thing is that the author recognizes the inputs from other authors. The use of the diagram in explaining the topology of qualitative research demonstrates how the author understands the topic. Source 2 Qualitative Media Analysis Altheide, DL. 1996. Qualitative Media Analysis: qualitative research methods series 38. A SAGE University paper. SAGE publications. The purpose of the author in this book is to convey the sense of the total qualitative research project. In this book we traditional concept of objective content analysis on qualitative research is merged together with participation observation to form ethnographic content analysis. The book is credible source as it is suitable for both students and professional which allows an individual to apply at the practical environment after completing the academic portion. The appendix that includes references that are used in the book, which makes it credible. Also the fact that is part of a series of at publications which can be used for reference and continuation of study. Source 3 Media Research Methods Gunter, B. 2000. Media Research Methods: measuring audience, reaction and impact. A SAGE University paper. SAGE publications. Qualitative method of research in this book is being explained as a method that holds methodologies that are theoretically framed by critical social science. Again it explains that qualitative research practices the methodology that allows respondents to converse freely about their media experiences, choosing their own answers and their own language. The author here gives a detailed theoretical background of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. When defining in detail the qualitative methods he gives in details all qualitative research methods which indicate his understanding of the method. The content of the book has been put in such a way that it makes it easier for the reader to understand the whole view of the book. Source 4 Mass Communication Research Singletary, M. 1994. Mass Communication Research: contemporary methods and application. University of Tennese, Knoxville. Longman publications. The characteristics of qualitative research in the book are being defined as it attaches meaning to human behavior which is made up of responses to stimuli in the world. It states the goal of qualitative research is to understand the world from the perspective of the people being studied. The book is chosen as a credible source because if the way it has been put together. The first part of the book where the contents are arranged in parts, which makes it an easy to read book. The second part of the preface where it illuminates in detail what the book covers. Acknowledging all the contributors to the book is the most impacting part as a credible source as it even highlights the academic records of the contributors. Source 5 Doing Media Research Priest, SH. 2010. Doing Media Research: an introduction. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. SAGE publications. Qualitative research in this book is defined by explaining the different ways to conduct the research process. Here the uniqueness of qualitative research, which is the setting, people, or material under study, keeping good records, and all other elements of qualitative research is being recognized. The source has been chosen to be a credible source as it explains the concept of mass communication as a research field, then goes into detail on both the quantitative and qualitative method. This allows the student to be able to analyse and critisise both methods and arrive into a conclusion as to method to deploy for the research in question. Source 6 What is Qualitative Research? http://www.bloomsburyacademic.com/view/What-Is-Qualitative-Research/chapter-ba-9781849666084-chapter-001.xml?print Qualitative research is being defined in three different definitions that illustrate the author’s understanding of the subject. As these three definitions make clear, what are taken as the defining criteria of qualitative research can vary considerably? This perhaps tells us that it is not a simple phenomenon, not one that is easily characterised. It is being defined as a form of social inquiry that tends to adopt a flexible and data-driven research design, to use relatively unstructured data, to emphasize the essential role of subjectivity in the research process. The author is credible as he makes his contrast to quantitative research.