Qualitative Research Methods for Media Studies

This fully updated third edition provides students and researchers with the tools they need to perform critically engaged, theoretically informed research using methods that include interviewing, focus groups, historical research, oral histories, ethnography and participant observation, textual analysis and digital research. Each chapter features step-by-step instructions that integrate theory with practice, as well as a case study drawn from published research demonstrating best practices for media scholars. Readers will also find in-depth discussions of the challenges and ethical issues that may confront researchers using a qualitative approach. With new case studies and examples throughout, this third edition also includes updated and expanded material on digital technologies and platforms, how to perform social media research, how to analyze a variety of multimedia texts, and reflections on the use of big data. A comprehensive and accessible guide for those hoping to explore this rich vein of research methodology, this book provides students and scholars with the all tools they need to be able to work in today's convergent media environment.