The Fielding Handbook of Qualitative Research Paperback – March 20, 2026

Since their inception, qualitative methods have been used by scholars to broaden their understanding of psychological subjects. The reason is that many authors believed that theory development should be grounded in empirical evidence, rather than purely statistical methods. For a time, some scholars criticized qualitative methods for being perceived as subjective and with limited reproducibility. Today, however, the stigma towards qualitative inquiry is rapidly disappearing, particularly in psychology and human development studies. This has prompted the development of the Handbook.Edited by Dr. Lauren Mizock and Dr. Patrick Sweeney, this volume represents cutting-edge developments at the intersection of social justice and qualitative methods by leading scholars from various social science disciplines. The book offers an interdisciplinary and practical approach, with attention to critical-constructivist grounded theory, phenomenological analysis, participatory action research, narrative analysis, reflexive thematic analysis, and other approaches. Chapters include concrete examples of different stages and aspects of qualitative methods, such as theoretical development, ethical considerations, the writing process, coding and theme refinement, analysis, dissemination of research findings, and the mentoring of qualitative researchers. This Handbook is a must for any student or scholar interested in deploying qualitative methods in their research on human behavior.PRAISE FOR THE HANDBOOK OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH“The Fielding Handbook of Qualitative Research offers an incisive historical and contemporary understanding of qualitative inquiry, advancing social-justice-oriented qualitative research. The contributors offer theoretical and methodological guidance that clarifies the place, need, and significance of social justice-oriented qualitative research. This volume is timely and much-needed – and will most certainly serve as a critical guidepost for qualitative inquirers.”Jessica Nina Lester, Professor of Qualitative Research, Indiana University Bloomington “Congratulations to Mizock and Sweeney for creating a very special Handbook. In taking a social justice orientation, the work is a unique and much-needed addition to the field. In the contemporary conditions of deep concern, researchers seek ways to make their research count. This Handbook not only points the way, but provides the essentials for making a difference.”Ken Gergen, Emeritus Professor, Psychology Department, Swarthmore College“With a foundational orientation to social justice, this exciting new text not only centers research approaches and issues, but values as the core within qualitative inquiry. Emerging at a time when social justice is under threat, this book, which not only gives permission but also encourages qualitative researchers to explicitly be motivated by values, is so important!”Virginia Braun, Professor, School of Psychology, The University of Auckland Read more