Qualitative Research Resources

If you are thinking of performing qualitative research, or are looking for a refresher on the topic, here are some resources to get you started. We have also included a few resources on mixed methods research. Note that some of the books listed here are available through the UNC libraries as both print and ebooks.

Other sections on this page contain a sampling of the available works on qualitative research and mixed methods research, but there are many more. To search the UNC library catalog for more resources, click on the links below.

• Catalog Search--Qualitative Methods (as a phrase anywhere)
• Catalog Search--Qualitative Methods AND Health
• Catalog Search--Qualitative Research (subject heading)
• Catalog Search--Mixed Methods Research Methodology

Unlinked titles are in print only, so follow the link to check current availability.

The following articles all give good brief overviews of what qualitative research is and what kind of methods are involved.

Clissett, P. (2008) "Evaluating Qualitative Research." Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing 12: 99-105.

Fossey, E., C. Harvey, F. McDermott, and L. Davidson. (2002) "Understanding and Evaluating Qualitative Research." Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 36(6): 717-732.

Ingham-Broomfield, Rebecca (2015) A nurse's guide to Qualitative Research. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing 32(3):34-40.

Small, Mario L. (2011) How to Conduct a Mixed Method Study: Recent Trends in a Rapidly Growing Literature. Annual Review of Sociology 37: 55-84.

Smith, Mary Lee.(1987) Publishing Qualitative Research. American Educational Research Journal 24(2): 173-183.

Snowden, Claire (Trials) and David Gough (Systematic Reviews) (eds) Qualitative Methods, Trials, and Systematic Reviews. Joint Publication, Trials and Systematic Reviews. 

• Snowden, Claire (2015). Trials editorial about the special joint publication: Qualitative and mixed methods research in trials. Trials 16: 558.  
• Gough, David (2015).  Systematic Reviews editorial about the special joint publication: Qualitative and mixed methods in systematic reviews. Systemaatic Reviews 4:81.
• The two sister-journals, Trials and Systematic Reviews, have, on the face of it, different readerships and deal with different issues. In both journals there is, however, a common and growing interest in the contribution of qualitative methods. We are seeing an expansion of the use and application of a range of techniques with entry into novel research areas and pursuit of new lines of inquiry. Our contributors are working within specific methods, with mixed methods, and across paradigms.  This special issue covers these innovative and challenging areas, with the aim of sharing methodological practice, findings and reflections to drive forward and further the respective fields.