A critical examination of the principles and practice of qualitative research is provided in this book which examines the interplay between context and method, making it invaluable for both the experienced and the beginning researcher. A range of methodological and practical issues central to the concerns of qualitative researchers are addressed. These include: the validity and plausibility of qualitative methods; the problems encountered using specific techniques in a range of social settings; and the moral issues raised in qualitative research. These themes are related to practical issues which are illustrated by a breadth of examples and in-depth case studies. The contributors look at the methods and strategies that they have used to study everyday life, and make suggestions to readers on why and how they might conduct their own studies. They raise issues that go beyond `cookbook' discussions of issues such as how to enter social settings, manage the subjects of one's research and ask `good' questions in the process of formulating research strategies. These issues are addressed within the framework of the larger purposes and uses of qualitative research where specific methodological problems are not used as ends in themselves.

Contrary to popular opinion, college and university faculty often experience a greater amount of stress than professionals in many other occupations. Faculty Stress takes a comprehensive look at faculty stress, its causes, and its consequences. This unique book explores the wide range of factors associated with work-related stress, the sources and perceptions of stress in differing academic environments, and the importance of gender factors in understanding and dealing with work stress in academia. Respected authorities discuss quantitative and qualitative research, case studies, and provide helpful policy recommendations. As higher education rapidly changes, the importance of understanding and effectively dealing with the stress that faculty endures increases. Faculty Stress explores in detail how change affects work and personal lives of faculty. This revealing book is crucial for current faculty and administrators who want to understand and effectively deal with stress, as well as future faculty who need to know how to better prepare for the rigors of their college and university academic profession. Faculty Stress is a valuable resource for faculty, higher education administrators, graduate students who intend to become faculty, librarians, higher education scholars, and scholars who study work and occupations. This book was published as a special issue of the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment.

A critical examination of the principles and practice of qualitative research is provided in this book which examines the interplay between context and method, making it invaluable for both the experienced and the beginning researcher. A range of methodological and practical issues central to the concerns of qualitative researchers are addressed. These include: the validity and plausibility of qualitative methods; the problems encountered using specific techniques in a range of social settings; and the moral issues raised in qualitative research. These themes are related to practical issues which are illustrated by a breadth of examples and in-depth case studies. The contributors look at the methods and strategies that they have used to study everyday life, and make suggestions to readers on why and how they might conduct their own studies. They raise issues that go beyond `cookbook' discussions of issues such as how to enter social settings, manage the subjects of one's research and ask `good' questions in the process of formulating research strategies. These issues are addressed within the framework of the larger purposes and uses of qualitative research where specific methodological problems are not used as ends in themselves.