Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research : An Introduction

by Laura L. Ellingson

• ISBN13: 9781412959070
• ISBN10: 1412959071
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-08-01
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

"This is the best book I have read in quite some time. Professor Ellingson writes clearly yet artfully and in a scholarly voice that is accessible to students and faculty alike. The weaving between description and illustrative case studies takes readers through the step-by-step journey of crystallization (as experienced and offered by Ellingson). The book is clearly grounded in philosophies of knowing and methods- yet, it offers practical strategies, questions, and choices for researchers." - Lynn M. Harter, Ohio University Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research , the first "how to" book to both explain and demonstrate crystallization methodology, offers a framework for blending grounded theory and other social scientific analyses with creative representations of data, such as narratives, poetry, and film. Author Laura L. Ellingson explores relevant epistemological questions that arise when crossing methodological boundaries, provides detailed steps for design and planning, offers guidelines for improving both social scientific and creative/artistic writing, and suggests strategies for targeting publication outlets for multigenre representations. Features   Articulates the principles of crystallization and how it enables researchers to both represent multiple perspectives on a phenomenon and highlight the partial nature of all claims of truth Breaks down the qualitative research barriers between the grounded theorists and those who favor artistic, interpretive, and creative approaches, exemplifying the possibilities for all Demonstrates the rich possibilities for blending social scientific, creative/artistic, and critical approaches to research Provides hands-on strategies that help practitioners and students collect, analyze, and represent qualitative data through crystallization Explores ethical challenges, the political nature of research findings, and the need for social justice activism among researchers Illustrates concepts with exemplars, featuring cutting-edge research in social sciences, education, and allied health Suitable for experienced practitioners and advanced students of qualitative methods, Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research is ideal for such courses as Intermediate/Advanced Qualitative Research, Ethnographic Methods, Grounded Theory, Field Research Methods, and Qualitative Inquiry.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Crystallization

Constructing Crystallization

Considering Genres

Resisting Dichotomies: A Continuum of Qualitative Methods

Principles of Crystallization

Facets of the Crystal: Types of Crystallization

Strengths of Crystallization

Limitations of Crystallization

Ethnographic Exemplars

Organization of This Book

Conclusion: Frequently Asked Questions About Crystallization

Interlude: Introducing the Author

Ethics and Epistemology: Assumptions Underlying Crystallization

What Is Epistemology and Why Does It Matter in Crystallization?

Making Knowledge: An Epistemological Basis for Crystallization

Voicing Other and Self: Ethics of Representation

First Do No Harm: Some Ethical Cautions

Strategies for Ethical Decision Making in Crystallization

Conclusion

Interlude: The Limits of Genre--An Exercise About Ethics and the Construction of Claims

Illuminating Options for Analysis and Representation Across the Continuum

Traditional Forms of Analysis

Same Old, Same Old: The Value of Traditional Qualitative Writing

Aesthetics and Analysis: Hybrids of Art and Science

Aesthetic Possibilities: Creative Analytic Practices

Conclusion

Interlude: Resisting Dichotomy, Embracing Continuum

Strategies for Design: Putting Crystallization Into Practice

Wondering

Weighing Your Options

Re/considering the Role of Theory

Decide on a Design

Conclusion

Interlude: Beware the Law of the Hammer

Bringing It All Together: Integrated Crystallization

Creating a Coherent Multigenre Text

Blending Genres and Blurring Boundaries: Woven Crystallization

Woven Crystallization Exemplars

Sharpening Edges and Separating Spaces: Patched Crystallization

Patched Crystallization Exemplars

Issues in Constructing Integrated Crystallization

Interlude: Quilting as Activism

All Apart: Dendritic Crystallization

Dendritic Practices

Benefits of Dendritic Crystallization

Dispersing Crystallized Findings

A Dendritic Exemplar

But Is This Really Crystallization?

Interlude: Coincidence, Synchronicity, and Putting It Out to the Universe

Writing Across the Continuum

Evaluating Writing and Representation

Improving your Process

Writing Well

Bag of Tricks

Conclusion

Interlude: Representing Difference

Writing Resources

Publishing and Promoting Crystallization

Lessons of Crystallization

Call to Action: Employing Crystallization to Promote Social Justice

Getting the World Out: Pursuing Publication

Justifying Your Work

Enclosing Wild Power: A Conclusion/Invitation

Interlude: When Your Work Is Rejected

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