Stretching exercises for qualitative researchers - Valerie J. Janesick

Developing the skills necessary to become an effective qualitative researcher involves more than simply learning rules, tools and formats. In her innovative and distinctive
book, Valerie J Janesick argues that tapping into ones artistic side is a fundamental prerequisite for realizing ones potential as a researcher.

The author provides a series of exercises, which can be used inside the classroom as well as outside, that are both artistically inspired and immensely practical. Thoroughly classroom-tested, these exercises help the researcher become a more active observer, interviewer and learner.

Valerie J. Janesick (PhD, Michigan State University) is Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, in the department of Leadership, Counseling, Adult, Career and Higher Education, LCACHE, University of South Florida, Tampa. She teaches classes in qualitative research methods, curriculum theory and inquiry, and ethics in leadership. Her latest book, "Contemplative Qualitative Inquiry: Practicing the Zen of Research (2015) Left Coast Press, argues for the use of Zen approaches to qualitative inquiry cast as Contemplative Qualitative Inquiry. Her chapters in the Handbook of Qualitative Research (first and second editions) use dance and the arts as metaphors for understanding research. Her book, Oral History for the Qualitative Researcher: Choreographing the Story (2010), Guilford Press, incorporates, poetry, photography and the arts to capture lived experience. She serves on the editorial board of The Qualitative Report, and the International Journal of Qualitative Methods. She continues to take classes in yoga and meditation.

"This book is indeed quite non-traditional from other texts offering studies of qualitative research; it is easy to read and requires little contextual background to be understood. Likewise, it does educate readers quite effectively in the basic skills of qualitative research. This book can be quite useful to persons first learning how to engage in qualitative research, plus it offers a realistic set of exercises and examples for these learners to use."
Stacey L. Edmonson