Interpretive Research Design
A Practical Guide
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 14. August 2026
Book
Hardback
172 pages
978-1-041-01934-3 (ISBN)
Description
Interpretive Research Design offers a pioneering approach to understanding interpretive research by positioning it as a design-centric process. This comprehensive guide helps bridge the gap between complex research methodologies and practical application, making interpretive research accessible and actionable for students, self-directed learners, and experienced researchers alike.
This book provides essential tools and insights that empower readers to navigate the intricacies of interpretive research with confidence. Key features include practical frameworks for defining research scope, choosing methodologies, ensuring quality, and systematically analyzing data to reveal meaningful patterns. With these tools, readers are equipped to construct well-aligned, impactful research studies across diverse social contexts. Project Development Guides (PDGs) in each chapter offer practical, hands-on tools to help readers build their studies from initial curiosity to completed design.
Ideal for graduate students, educators, and professionals engaged in qualitative and discipline-based educational research across the social sciences, education, health, and STEM fields, Interpretive Research Design is an invaluable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of interpretive research. Its structured yet adaptable approach ensures lasting relevance across various research fields, fostering innovation and clarity in research design.
This book provides essential tools and insights that empower readers to navigate the intricacies of interpretive research with confidence. Key features include practical frameworks for defining research scope, choosing methodologies, ensuring quality, and systematically analyzing data to reveal meaningful patterns. With these tools, readers are equipped to construct well-aligned, impactful research studies across diverse social contexts. Project Development Guides (PDGs) in each chapter offer practical, hands-on tools to help readers build their studies from initial curiosity to completed design.
Ideal for graduate students, educators, and professionals engaged in qualitative and discipline-based educational research across the social sciences, education, health, and STEM fields, Interpretive Research Design is an invaluable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of interpretive research. Its structured yet adaptable approach ensures lasting relevance across various research fields, fostering innovation and clarity in research design.
Reviews / Votes
"A stellar achievement, this book presents a well-grounded and articulate integrative framework that reimagines interpretive research through the lens of design. It offers STEM education and allied fields an empowering, practice-oriented roadmap for conducting high quality, relevant, and transformative qualitative inquiry."- Karl A. Smith, Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota and Purdue University, USA.
"This book beautifully elevates accessible approaches to interpretive research design through a 'designerly' lens. Rather than following a recipe or checking boxes, these authors encourage crafting focused and thoughtful research through flexible, creative, and empowering practices. A refreshing and necessary read."
- Kelly Guyotte, Associate Professor of Qualitative Research, University of Alabama, USA.
"An invaluable resource, this book supports researchers-aspiring and experienced alike-who are navigating the complexities of social systems research across disciplines, and in the innumerable new spaces created when disciplines intersect. Grounded in methodological sophistication, keen relational attunement, and written with remarkable insight, it offers a design-based approach to interpretive research that generates novel possibilities for inquiry across education, health, sustainability, and the social sciences."
- Shari Miller, Dean of the School of Social Welfare, Stony Brook University, USA.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Undergraduate Core
Illustrations
9 Farbfotos bzw. farbige Rasterbilder, 14 farbige Zeichnungen, 6 s/w Tabellen, 23 farbige Abbildungen
6 Tables, black and white; 14 Line drawings, color; 9 Halftones, color; 23 Illustrations, color
Dimensions
Height: 246 mm
Width: 174 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-041-01934-3 (9781041019343)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
approx. 08/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€55.49
Not yet available
E-Book
approx. 08/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€55.49
Not yet available
Book
approx. 08/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€52.50
Not yet published
Persons
Joachim Walther co-directs the ProQual Institute for Interpretive Research Methods on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, where he leads international training programs in interpretive research design. He was previously a Professor of Engineering Education at the University of Georgia, USA.
Nicola W. Sochacka co-directs the ProQual Institute for Interpretive Research Methods on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. With more than two decades of experience in interpretive research, she works internationally as a research consultant specializing in educational projects.
Nicola W. Sochacka co-directs the ProQual Institute for Interpretive Research Methods on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. With more than two decades of experience in interpretive research, she works internationally as a research consultant specializing in educational projects.
Content
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Using Pictorial Systems Maps to Guide Research in Complex Social Systems
Chapter 3: Defining the "Scope" of the Social Reality Under Investigation (SRUI)
Chapter 4: Using Theory to Define the "Nature" of the Social Reality Under Investigation (SRUI)
Chapter 5: Embedding Research Quality in the Study Design
Chapter 6: Selecting Data Gathering Methods to "See" the SRUI
Chapter 7: Selecting a Methodology as a Way of Tracing Patterns Through Our SRUI
Chapter 8: Crafting Research Questions to Encapsulate the Design Choices that Define Our Study
Chapter 9: Data Analysis to Systematically Identify Patterns in Our Data
Chapter 10: Research Quality in Handling Data
Chapter 11: Embodying a Design Approach in Our Research Practice
Chapter 2: Using Pictorial Systems Maps to Guide Research in Complex Social Systems
Chapter 3: Defining the "Scope" of the Social Reality Under Investigation (SRUI)
Chapter 4: Using Theory to Define the "Nature" of the Social Reality Under Investigation (SRUI)
Chapter 5: Embedding Research Quality in the Study Design
Chapter 6: Selecting Data Gathering Methods to "See" the SRUI
Chapter 7: Selecting a Methodology as a Way of Tracing Patterns Through Our SRUI
Chapter 8: Crafting Research Questions to Encapsulate the Design Choices that Define Our Study
Chapter 9: Data Analysis to Systematically Identify Patterns in Our Data
Chapter 10: Research Quality in Handling Data
Chapter 11: Embodying a Design Approach in Our Research Practice