Qualitative Research: A Personal Skills Approach

I've spent more than 10 years doing consumer research in advertising industry before deciding to do a ph.d. in sociology. Professor Shank's book was a required reading in my qualitative research course. I can speak from both the practitioner's point of view and from the student's point of view that this book is really a breath of fresh air! As someone who has done most of the hands-on experience myself, Professor Shank's book clearly rings the bell. It is very obvious he knows what he is doing and he can tell his story very well, too. From a student point of view, I need a brief yet solid theoretical framework. This book could take me from point A to B in the most effective manner. Very business like and no-nonsense. I could follow his flow of thoughts with no problem whatsoever and really appreciate the way he put in his efforts to try to give examples to illustrate his points. I couldn't have asked for a better book! The choice of photo on the cover sort of says something about your state of mind after you read this book, actually. You sort of see some hope, some ray of light shining through after perhaps having spending sometimes struggling with a more complicated textbook! Highly recommended for students and business people alike. All you need to be a good qualitative researcher, I feel, after reading this book, is your own common sense!

I used to malign textbooks, calling them none-books. But I am not at all surprised that Gary Shank defies this altogether, for his textbook reads like a "real" book, a great read to boot, and a lot of fun, though no less useful (in fact, more useful)as an educational tool as a result. He and I were colleagues once - though in different departments - back in the 1980s. I have then had several opportunities to observe his teaching. He was as marvelous in the classroom as he is as a "narrator" of this book. I have also heard him read papers at various professional conferences. He gave enviable stellar performances in that arena, too. So, again, I am not at all surprised that he wrote such a wonderful textbook. If more textbooks were of this calbiber, more students would love to read and learn. I am very happy to see this book out there. May all educational psychology departments adapt it!