Handbook for Team-Based Qualitative Research

“This handbook fills a longstanding gap. The lone wolf anthropologist is the exception in fieldwork. Today, most qualitative research is done in teams -and this comprehensive volume covers the major issues to assure well-functioning, productive teams.” ―Michael Q. Patton, Author of Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods

“Conducting qualitative research can be daunting even to individual researchers, who must deal with hundreds of pages of narrative text and other sources of data. There is increasing recognition that multi-site qualitative and ethnographic research is needed to understand complex global health problems or for the evaulation of intervention programs. What is needed is a systematic approach, set of methods, and data management and analysis strategies. This book provides a clear roadmap that will guide investigators who work in team-based research, with contributions by some of the best in the field.” ―Margaret E. Bentley, PhD, Professor of Nutrition and Associate Dean of Global Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

“This book is a gem. It provides a sophisticated synthesis of how to conduct team-based socio-behavioral, qualitative research. It approaches the pitfalls of multi-method, multi-site research conducted by multi-cultural and interdisciplinary teams with humor and experience-based practical guidance.” ―Linda M. Whiteford, PhD, University of South Florida

“In an increasingly globalized world in which real problems are interdisciplinary by their very nature, donors and local communities alike are demanding scientists who know how to think outside-the-box in terms of disciplines and methods. Guest and MacQueen's volume fills a void in the methods literature by providing a clear, practical road map for teams that need to uncover complexity while designing solutions for disadvantaged populationssss” ―Robert E. Rhoades, Distinguished Research Professor, University of Georgia

“Team-based ethnography on applied projects produces masses of data. Monitoring, managing, and reducing those data - making them useful - is a challenge, but the challenge just got easier with the publication of this book... Full of practical advice from colleagues who have really walked the walk.” ―H. Russell Bernard, University of Florida, Director of the Institute of Social Science Research at the University of Arizona

“At a time when multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research is necessary in the health field, when research ethics is under scrutiny, and when politically charged topics demand critical inquiry, there is a great need for qualitative research guides that anticipate challenges and provide an overview of methods. There are many how-to methods books for research in health and social science, but none addresses team-based qualitative research like this handbook. Written by seasoned researchers who have summarize their collective wisdom clearly and cogently, this book should be read by anyone planning a team-based qualitative research project.” ―Mark Nichter, University of Arizona

“In an increasingly globalized world in which real problems are interdisciplinary by their very nature, donors and local communities alike are demanding scientists who know how to think outside-the-box in terms of disciplines and methods. Guest and MacQueen's volume fills a void in the methods literature by providing a clear, practical road map for teams that need to uncover complexity while designing solutions for disadvantaged populations” ―Robert E. Rhoades, Distinguished Research Professor, University of Georgia

“This is a foundational work for team-based qualitative research. With this handbook the field comes of age. It is a must for all who wish to understand the problems of design, politics, ethics and analysis that are involved in team-based inquiry.” ―Norman K. Denzin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"At a time when multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research is necessary in the health field, when research ethics is under scrutiny, and when politically charged topics demand critical inquiry, there is a great need for qualitative research guides that anticipate challenges and provide an overview of methods. There are many how-to methods books for research in health and social science, but none addresses team-based qualitative research like this handbook. Written by seasoned researchers who have summarize their collective wisdom clearly and cogently, this book should be read by anyone planning a team-based qualitative research project." -- Mark Nichter, University of Arizona