QUALITATIVE EVALUATION AND RESEARCH METHODS - PATTON,MQ

My first exposure to ''Qualitative Evaluation and Research Methods'' was in a qualitative methods class. At the time, I was caught up in the current trend in management departments regarding the quantitative and qualitative research methods and, therefore, expected very little from the class. The preaching text for academic success in my program required quantitative empirical large sample size number crunching statistical wizardry as the formula for publication and tenure. Faculty advisors did use some qualitative methods (i.e., case studies) but publishing such material was best done after tenure. As time passed, I could not help but notice that many of the foundational pieces of literature in my area (strategic managment) came from qualitative studies (eg., Chandler, 1962; Bower, 1970, Burgelman, 1986). With a renewed interest, I registered for a qualitative research class in the education school. It was there I was introduced to and eagerly developed a passion for this highly inductive research methodology. Over time it transformed a confirmed qualitative number cruncher theory tester into a qualitative naturalistic inquiring theory builder who could then test the theory he built! With this reviewer's biases now plainly exposed, this reviewer will: (1) introduce Michael Quinn Patton and identify the changes he has made in the second edition, (2) summarize the three sections and nine chapters to help the reader discern the qualitative thought processes underlying evaluative qualitative research and to explore the potential it offers to enhance a researchers effectiveness and efficiency, (3) discuss the strengths and weakness of the book, and (4) conclude with implications for the researcher.