Successful Writing for Qualitative Researchers
Successful Writing for Qualitative Researchers
P. WoodsRouteledgeISBN 0 415 18847 4£12.99
Keywords Written communications, Research
A definitive script that is able to provide the essential guide to successful writing for qualitative researchers would be received most warmly. Woods rises to this challenge, drawing on his own experiences of writing up qualitative material. At times the dialogue is rambling and wanders through his own work too closely, which serves to distract from, rather than reinforce, the essence of what is being communicated to the reader. There are some very useful ideas and suggestions made but the tendency toward the narrative means that they can get buried in the dialogue. The ideas within are all-important but often stop short of offering real help and solutions. Valid? Yes, but a more practical guide (in greater evidence in the latter section of the book) would be of help. That said,the book provides a very real account of what a writer can expect to face -pitfalls, hurdles, moments of inspiration and fluidity of penmanship –whilst trying to convey and disseminate research findings.
The opening chapter takes the reader on a journey that looks at the problems the author, and others, have faced in writing up research. This reminds, or forewarns, others about the arduous task they are embarking on. It is a gamble that works; it is necessary to face these realities and be ready when, or if,confronted by them, for there to be any progress and forward movement in the writing of qualitative data. The subsequent chapters provide a more constructive and practical exchange of ideas of how to tackle the writing process and the considerations that may be faced along the way. Chapter 2, "A standard approach to organization", for example, is concise and informative providing an overview of the necessary forethought that must precede any writing. Some, if not all, of the issues discussed will be obvious to the practised / seasoned writer but are necessarily included for those coming new to the art.
As we move through the book, the more practical guidance becomes evident and Chapter 5, "Editing", is a good example of this. The editing process is covered in some detail and the full range of possibilities, over and above the initial spelling and grammar check, are considered: style, structure,theoretical (in)adequacy, the purpose and success of the introduction, bias,ethics, references and literature to name but a few. This is direct, purposeful and, most important, useful to the writer, aspiring or otherwise. The closing chapters similarly provide further useful guidance regarding collaboration and publication of material. It is this latter half of the book that provides some realistic and practical advice about how to start and indeed continue writing and disseminate research findings; limitations and omissions are highlighted and solutions are offered to possible problems. Suggestions are made as to how best to approach the writing up of qualitative research and the tools at hand to assist.
As a whole, Woods provides an informative and comprehensive overview of the writing process and some of the considerations therein. The accessibility of the material varies throughout but offers some worthwhile insights into the writing process. It is a valid contribution to the literature that currently exists on writing for qualitative researchers and brings up to date the increasing range of options that are open to individuals in terms of writing styles and publication opportunities and outlets.
Vikki SmithLeeds Business School Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, UK
