Students and researchers across the social sciences

Dr. Derrington covers an area that's often hard to cover, and she does it succinctly and clearly and rigorously. That's what we need in qualitative research endeavors. Instead of spending time apologizing that our methods are not quantitative, spend more time explaining what is we do as qualitative researchers. Derrington communicates it well! -- Tim Atkinson
The material presented in the book provides information to qualitative researchers interested in conducting longitudinal studies. The information helps researchers build on their qualitative research skills. -- Lydia Kyei-Blankson
This book explores the intricacies of longitudinal qualitative research. It shares many of the pragmatic concerns centered in this research method. The author provides numerous examples to make this text come alive and provide models for researchers. -- Diane Barone
Mary Lynne Derrington provides clarity of purpose and intent about longitudinal research methods and approaches in a way that supports examining change over time. This is a book that I will use and recommend to others. -- Sally J. Zepeda

Preface Why I Wrote This Book Organization of the Book Acknowledgements Reviewers to Acknowledge About the Author Chapter 1. The Benefits and Challenges of Longitudinal Qualitative Studies Describing Longitudinal Research Qualitative Basics: A Review The Value of Qualitative Longitudinal Studies The Challenges of Qualitative Longitudinal Studies Chapter Summary Reflection Questions and Application Activities Chapter 2. Designing Qualitative Longitudinal Studies Design Basics in Qualitative Research Expansion of the Basic Design Chapter Summary Reflection Questions and Application Activities Chapter 3. Building on Qualitative Research With a Longitudinal Design Historical Studies Trend Studies Ethnography Autoethnography Grounded Theory Case Studies Combined Methodologies and Methods Chapter Summary Reflection Questions and Application Activities Chapter 4. Perspectives on the Two-Way Research Relationship Balancing Personal and Professional Relationships With Participants Giving Back to Participants Ethical Considerations and Dilemmas Chapter Summary Reflection Questions and Application Activities Chapter 5. Management of Longitudinal Data Throughout a Study Keeping Coding Timely and Ongoing Effective Organization Chapter Summary Reflection Questions and Application Activities Chapter 6. Longitudinal Data Analysis Approaches to Data Analysis Visual Representations Chapter Summary Reflection Questions and Application Activities Chapter 7. Preparing a Longitudinal Study for Publication Digging Deeply for Meaning Chapter Summary Reflection Questions and Application Activities Chapter 8. Conclusion: Legacies, Lessons, and Change Leaving a Legacy Learning From a Diary of Lessons Checklist of Lessons Chapter Summary Reflection Questions and Application Activities References Appendix: Picturing Policy Implementation: An Ethnography of a Local Network, A Case Study by Pam Carter Index