'Like water wings for the qualitative research beginner, Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners gracefully supports methodological novices until they learn to swim elegantly, on their own, in qualitative waters… As a teacher, researcher or a student, you will want to thank the gifted methodologists Braun and Clarke for making it all seem so easy' Michelle FineThe City University of New York, NY, USA 'This is an admirably useful textbook that provides an uncommonly accessible, practical, and absorbing introduction for beginners to qualitative research' Eva Magnusson Umeå University, UMEÅ, Sweden 'A clear, engaging and intelligent qualitative research guide which will greatly appeal to students new to this area. The authors should be commended for their lively style and attention to often hidden processes and practices involved in successful qualitative research' Brendan Gough Leeds Metropolitan University 'This book provides an excellent introduction to qualitative research, combining in-depth explanation of the distinctive nature and goals of qualitative research methods with practical tips and helpful examples for beginners' Lucy Yardley University of Southampton 'Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke present a clear and comprehensive road map for executing a successful qualitative study. They do so in a very engaging way that really brings the process to life for the reader. This book will be an essential read for anyone contemplating a qualitative research project' Guy Faulkner University of Toronto

'This practical guide refreshingly demystifies the qualitative research process, relentlessly pushing an agenda for uncomplicated but high standards across the board and generously enabling anyone, no matter how inexperienced, to get on with it and do it well. It is the kind of guide that not only says how to do it but that actually shows how to do it, with a myriad of real, reproduced examples, extremely useful tables, boxes, chapter summaries, questions for discussion, exercises and lists of resources including references to a companion website with even more guidance and examples.'

Edith Steffen, Counselling Psychology Review

An excellent book that clearly outlines the principles of qualitative research. An essential read for undergraduate students interested in qualitative research.

Alison Owen, Faculty of Health and Sciences, Staffordshire University

Excellent introductory text, significantly improved in the third edition.

Dr Alistair Ross, Continuing Education, University of Oxford

Virginia Braun and Victoria Clark have produced an excellent and informative basic textbook in response to their highly successful and well-cited 2006 article 'Using thematic analysis in psychology'. Many psychology and social science students, along with their tutors and supervisors will be delighted to find such a clear introduction to qualitative research methods. As a 'practical guide for beginners' this provides a simple but systematic description of the process of qualitative research. Starting with basic paradigms and some key theories the book progresses to research design using a range of typical qualitative methods including grounded theory (discussed as a theory and a method). There are clear instructions on how to design and conduct data collection, with examples and descriptions of a range of analysis techniques. Unsurprisingly, given this is written to some extent with psychology students in mind, particular attention is given to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA); there are also clear descriptions and discussion about why and how to apply other analytic approaches such as thematic, Foucauldian discourse, conversation and narrative. At each stage key concepts and terms are succinctly defined. A set of questions are provided at the end of every chapter as prompts for classroom exercises or self-study, together with a list of relevant text and web-based resources. This book will not necessarily appeal to advanced students of qualitative research or for researchers who are well-versed in the methodology and seeking in depth theoretical debate. There is also not much enthusiasm for using computer assisted software for qualitative data analysis (CAQDAS), but Braun and Clark make it clear they have a fairly neutral stance to computer software preferring, with some good reason, the low tech approach. But this textbook is a most welcome addition to other basic texts in qualitative research. I would happily recommend it as a key introductory text for undergraduates as well as postgraduate students at Masters and Doctoral level.

Dr Amanda Bingley, Division of Health Research , Lancaster University

Successful Qualitative Research is an excellent resource for students not yet familiar with the theoretical and practical aspects of qualitative research.

Dr Anna Kende, Department of Educational and Social Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University

Added to reading list

Dr Campbell Killick, School of Sociology and Applied Social S, Ulster University

A fresh introduction to qualitative research. It will of particular use to novice researchers, but more seasoned practitioners will find the worked examples and the comparisons between different methods of great use.

Dr Dario Pellegrini, Child and Family, Tavistock Centre

This is an essential and accessible text for any students at undergraduate or masters level adopting qualitative techniques in their projects. I also find it an invaluable reference text- lively and well written.

Dr Elizabeth Jenkinson, Health and Life Sciences, The University of the West of England

A worthwhile addition to market. The book is well considered with the 10 fundamentals being a particularly good chapter. The chapter summaries work well and the examples are very helpful. The copious amount of personal information about the authors is interesting but does not necessarily enhance the quality of the book.

Dr F Murphy, Radiography, Salford University

A very accessible text. I particulalry liked the way the authors covered analysis which is typically not covered well in other books on qualitative methods

Dr Gillian Abel, Public Health and General Practice, University of Otago

A great duo Braun and Clark. The book has lovely examples of research questions and outlines the practical aspects of qualitative research. Presented in a well written way and easy to access for students. It guides the students through the process of qualitative research offering suggestions, guidance and support.

Dr Helen Nicholas, Institute of Health & Society, Worcester University

This is a useful introductory book to doing qualitative research, written in an accessible and engaging way. It covers a range of pertinant topics inlcuding the importance of the researcher's philosophical position and the impact of this in directing research. The use of the same data set to illustrate differences across analytical approaches is a particualry useful approach for those new to qualitative research. This will be a valuable resource for undergraduate students to consult.

Dr Helen Stivaros, Psychology , Gloucestershire University

This is a very detailed yet very simple even for the beginners to quickly master qualitative research. Very ideal for both undergraduates and postgraduate students.

Dr Joshua Ndiege, Information Systems & Computing, University of Eastern Africa, Baraton

A great practical guide for students studying Qualitative methodology

Dr Kevin Wilson-Smith, Department of Applied Psychology, University of Cumbria

A very useful and relevant book for data analysis - easy to follow as well supported with lots of examples .Questions included in each chapter are particularly useful and helpful to stimulate student's thinking.Definitely an important useful resource book for beginners on how to go about analysising qualitative data sucessfully.

Dr Khatijah Abdullah, Nursing , University of Malaya

An excellent introduction and practical guide for qualitative research and thematic analysis.

Dr Kirsty Budds, School of Psychology, Keele University

Excellent text. Good use of 'boxes' to clarify and highlight key concepts. Good idea to support lecturers in providing key questions for lecture/classroom discussion. The additional resources for each chapter were varied and appropriate. the key aspect/positive for the text was the step by step, or, chapter by chapter guide on qualitative analysis. Students often struggle with the coding etc...and these chapters provided a clear and unambiguous approach to the process.

Dr Lance Doggart, Sport and Health Sciences, College of St Mark and St John

Clear, to the point, relevant to today's world.

Dr Leslie-Jean Thornton, Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State Univ-downtown

A well written and informative text. Easy to read and applicable to help students learn the practicalities of conducting qual research. good. I will recommend to my students.

Dr Lisa Newson, School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University

This is engagingly written and provides sound advice for novice researchers and helpful worked examples. I have long recommended Braun and Clarke's method for thematic analysis. However, I couldn't spot anything about the dual stance of a researcher and professional person eg nurse who would be under a duty to act if a participant disclosed something that raised a safeguarding or patient safety or fitness for practice issue.

Dr Louise Terry, Faculty of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University

Fantastic guide for early researchers - have had good feedback on the book from colleagues already.

Dr Merran Toerien, Department of Sociology, York University

It is a comprehensive text for qualitative research beginners. I particularly find the sections of reflexivity useful.

Dr Moira Cachia, Department of Psychology, University of West London

An excellent book that clearly takes students through the process of qualitative research design.I have used this book as a reference and recommended reading throughout my module and will continue to do. The only complaint from students is the price, which is in excess of the £20 ceiling that most students seem to see as the deciding factor when choosing which books to buy.

Dr Nick Wilson, English, Communication & Philosophy, Cardiff Univ.

A useful resource for healthcare professionals who are engaging with qualitative research.

Dr Paul Leighton, NIHR RDS EM (Medical School), Nottingham University

A well-organised guide for beginners

Dr Peter Forster, Institute of Health & Society, Worcester University

A much needed text.

Dr Simon Gibbs, Educational Psychology, Newcastle upon Tyne University

Great text book. The bible for TA.

Dr Siobhan Lynam, Psychology, Social Work & Human Sci, University of West London

There have been a raft of books on qualitative research methodology in psychology over recent years. This book is one of the better ones.What I like is that it has coherence through being authored by two experts in the field and that it is not paradigm specific. This means that we get a good development of argument and an overall perspective on the fundamentals of conducting qualitative research.

Dr Timothy Auburn, School of Psychology, Plymouth University

This is an excellent all round introduction to qualitative research.

Helen Gregory, Psychology (Francis Close Hall), Gloucestershire University

A great book, which is accessible and useful. Section 3 (Analysing qualitative data) is particularly helpful as it provides advice on coding and identifying themes.

Miss Alison Hardy, School of Education, Nottingham Trent University

Essential for research qualitative methods with level 6 students. Overviews of all key aspects and 10 fundamentals of qualitative data is particularly useful for students. Will be using this across lectures.

Miss Chloe Cutler, Music, Doncaster College And University Centre

Very approachable in style.

Miss Eleanore Bliss, Department of Health and Applied Social, University of The West of England

Well thought out layout

Miss Kate Waller, Bristol Business School, Univ. of The West of England

Useful text written in an accessible way- I was looking for something more structured and specific to education. Might be good for undergraduates.

Miss Sarah McGrath, School of Education, Chester University

This book has been recommended to our 3rd year OT students as an essential reading for the module Research2. They are in the process of conducting their group research project and the book is a significant tool throughout the whole research process. It is especially helpful with data collection and data analysis since it provides the comparison of different methods. I find especially useful that it provides the exact steps for Data Analysis (for instant with TA) since the text that we were using before was an article of the same authors from the year 2006. So I'm very glad the authors decided to publish this textbook.

Miss Tanja Krizaj, School of Health Professions, University of Plymouth

really useful text that walks the reader through research process and methods.

Miss Tracey Barnfather, Midwifery Division, Northampton University

A good introduction to Qualitative data collection and analysis

Mr Andrew Green, Psychology Department, Bedfordshire University

This text provides learners the opportunity to develop further their understanding and practice of qualitative research, with useful hints and tips to enable them to apply practice across a range of projects. The practical advice is invalid and useful as an indicator in seminars and tutorials

Mr Darren Carr, Centre for Sport and Dance Studies, Liverpool John Moores University

This is ideal for social workers on their dissertation, where qualitative research is more common place. It enhances texts introduced at undergraduate level.

Mr Dave Mason, Faculty of Health Sciences, Staffordshire University

I have been waiting for this text ever since using Braun and Clarke's seminar 2006 paper extensively to support my qualitative methods teaching at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level in Psychology.The result has surpassed my expectations; I cannot think of a better introduction to qualitative methods. I read this book from cover to cover within the first week of receiving it and I had no hesitation at all in adopting this as essential reading for all research methodology modules in our BPS accredited Psychology courses.It is clear that Braun and Clarke have extensive experience in teaching qualitative methodologies and the clear descriptions and related pedagogical features are perfect for an introduction to this exciting and meaningful approach to research. The heart-felt acknowledgement for the "students who have taken our research methods classes and taught us how to teach, and write about, qualitative research" illustrate their emphasis on clarity, understanding and accessibility. Furthermore, this is a practical guide - an invaluable resource to support those students who wish to immerse themselves in qualitative methodologies for their final year projects or dissertations. I cannot recommend this text highly enough for students and academics alike.

Mr David Ormerod, Department of Psychology, Wolverhampton University

Provides a comprehensive overview of strategic tips and skills for starting and completing successful qualitative research.Very good book.

Mr Gilbert Regan, mathematics and computing, Dundalk Institute of Technology

A good book on qualitative research written in very plain language which does not confuse or put people off research. The detail is sufficient to be able to undertake research past doctoral research studies.

Mr Matthew Gibson, Institute of Applied Social Studies, Birmingham University

A very handy guide for students new to this area of research.

Mr Neil Rutledge, Education (Carlisle), University of Cumbria

Qualitative research explained in a very easy to understand way.

Mr Owen Lewis, Swansea Business School, Swansea Metropolitan University

a very useful starting guide which will be highly beneficial for students in the social sciences and humanities

Mr Richard Kotter, Dept of Geography, Northumbria University

This a a goodbook as a guide to under graduate and post graduate students. It covers some of the mst fundamental skills needed to conduct a qualitative research study. Summary of each chapter is very helpful.

Mr Sanj Nathoo, Faculty of Society and Health, Bucks New University

I recommend this text. I especially recommend this for students who are looking for ideas on how to analyse Qualitative data.

Mr Sean Creaney, Centre for Childhood Studies, Stockport College

Very comprehensive. A great source of information.

Mr Wayne Gardner, School of Psychology, University of the West of England, Bristol

This book is an excellent introduction to Qualitative reserach. It is simple to understand and makes easy reading.

Mrs Adele Nightingale, Faculty of Health (Liverpool), Edge Hill University

This is a great text that I now recommend to students.

Mrs Barbara Sen, Library Science , The University of Sheffiedl

this is an excellent book essential to the delivery of qualitative research, students are encouraged to purchase this book from the library.

Mrs Chrissie Draper, Educational Psychology, Derby College

This book is comprehensive and would be very helpful to those about to engage in qualitative research at University. The authors provide thorough, yet accessible, overviews of key points and this would be an informative starting point for those new to these techniques.

Mrs Claire Marsh, Natural and Social Sciences, University of Gloucestershire

An excellent resource providing information for all areas of our 3rd YEar UG Qualitative Research Methods module.I will be referencing this is each lecture and recommending purchase to all students

Mrs Clare Uytman, Psychology , Queen Margaret Univeristy

Excellent for dissertation students

Mrs Jane Richardson, institute of Health and Society, Worcester University

An excellent well-laid out textbook reference in research methodology, highly recommendable to students and lecturers.

Mrs Josephine D Morris, Interdiscipline, Winchester University

Because my students are not used to doing qualitative research I decided to use only one methodological approach, which is Mayring and not Braun & Clarke. Nevertheless, I like the book and would use it as a text book for thematic analysis.

Mrs Julia Gorges, Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University

A fantastic resource that I recommend to all my students embarking on qualitative research.

Mrs Laura Martinelli, Sport, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences Department, Kingston University

This is one of my "go to" texts. Eventhough the authors' views have evolved since this publication, I find it good in giving a simple overview for those interested in qualitative research. All the important elements are in this text.

Mrs Lisa Langan, Dept of Nursing, Munster Technological University

This is an excellent introduction to qualitative research. Many of my students have told me how useful they have found this text, particularly the sections on the advantages and disadvantages of various research methods.

Mrs Lois De cruz, School of Psychology, Keele University

Guide students through research design, methodology and methods to ensure that the Golden Thread is present when linking to the researchers ontology and epistemology. Clear and useful text.

Mrs Nikki Fairchild, Childhood Studies : Early Years, Chichester University

This is an excellent and very thorough review of the main research methods used within Criminology at this institute. However, as some students will prefer quantitative methods I will only be recommending this to students rather than citing it as a core text.

Mrs Samantha Cooper, Health and Social Sciences, University Centre Grimsby

A very good introduction to research.

Mrs Suzan Flannery, Counselling, Bromley College of FE & HE

A clear, engaging and supportive guide for undergraduate students who are considering qualitiative research. Braun provides a brisk and practical guide to different qualitative techniques. We are not adopting this book due to a change in course direction, but I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone considering a comprehensive primer for undergraduate level.

Mrs Udeni Salmon, Salford Business School, Salford University

Very clear guide to using qualitative data and straightforward to use

Ms Anna Gillespie, Department of Health & Social Care, The Open University

this is an excellent text that covers all the fundamentals of qualitative research. Some really helpful examples from the authors' own research

Ms Fiona Cole, Rehabilitation and Social Work , University of Cumbria

We've been recommending Braun & Clarke's 2006 paper on thematic analysis for a few years now, so it's great to have their pracitical approach to qualitative research extended to book form.It's very readable with sound theoretical and practical advice

Ms Fiona Cole, Rehabilitation and Social Work , University of Cumbria

Written in an accessible style. Key aspects and concepts clearly explained. Vey good range of topics covered

Ms Geraldine McCusker, Sch of Health, Psychology & Soc Care, Manchester Metropolitan University

A very easy to grasp step by step guide for students engaging in qualitative research. Even though, it's written in a comprehensible language it does have very strong theoretical approach. A must for any student at any level

Ms Irena Loveikaite, Department of Applied Arts, Waterford Institute of Technology

An excellent text that is versatile enough to have something to offer level 5 students getting stated in research methods through to level 6 and level 7 students engaged in their own research. The approach is very straightforward and clear and also models a qualitative approach for example in the authors sharing something of themselves. The worked examples make and clear 'how to' sections on analysis make this a very useful and usable text.

Ms Jan Grove, Please select your department, Newman Univ.

Although this book has an exceptionaly clear layout and the language used is clear an non technical, for the purposes of this course it is not the most suitable book to recommend to research students.

Ms Jo Cruywagen, Department of Psychology, Roehampton University

Very easy to read and understand. Very good for beginners to qualitative research.

Ms Martina Kennedy, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems , University College Dublin

Excellent text, that students love and that covers all elements of qualitative research. An excellent guide for students starting out on qualitative research. Have now ordered the latest edition

Ms Noelle McAra, Division of Psychology, Abertay University

This is useful for students who are intending to conduct a qualitative research project, but too specific for general research methods teaching at the level I'm teaching.

Ms Patti Wallace, Department of Psychology, Newman Univ.

This excellent book is just what our second-year Psychology students need to complete a really thorough Qual assignment.

Ms Rachel Lynn Phillips, Psychology, Nottingham Trent University

hugely useful book for MSc students

Ms Sarah-Jane Ryan, School of Health Professions, Brighton University

This is a really thorough introductory book that supports learners in familiarising themselves with qualitative research. Braun and Clarke offer insight into various approaches in an accessible and compelling style. This has been added this to recommended reading list for our staff development course.

Ms Vikki Hill, Academic Development & Services, University of the Arts London

Provides good coverage of many of the qualitative methods that are most relevant to undergraduate students.

Professor Chris McVittie, Psychology, Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh

A good book, written, but for such a practical approach it's at all a little bit too extensive, but the topics sampling and ethics being rather short! For my purposes it's a bitt From all books by Sage covering the subject qualitative research - and there are a few very similiar - the best fitting for my purposes and students of social work is by Padgett.

Professor Dieter Kulke, Fakultät Angewandte Sozialwissenschaften, Fachhochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt

For years I have been recommending Braun and Clarke´spaper \Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology" to students-with good results. Now with their book "Successful Qualitative Research" learning and teaching qualitative methods has become much more comfortable. The authors have written a highly practical book with many exercises, e.g., on their great accompanying website. But Braun and Clarke also introduce very differentiated a philosophy of qualitative methods and they do all so enthusiastic, that the reader is positively infected.

Professor Josef Rogner, Institut für Psychologie, Universität Osnabrück

This is *the* text to recommend to students who have to learn the basics of qualitative methods through self-directed learning. Even though this edition is from 2013, the content seem perfectly up-to-date for the beginning student.

Professor Sunjeev Kamboj, Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London