Unlike any other book in the field, this concise and practical text is devoted exclusively to qualitative research techniques in Public Administration. Using a number of exemplar journal articles to illustrate his points and numerous boxes to highlight key text, the author has designed a unique resource that coaches readers through their first attempts at using basic qualitative research methods.

Luton avoids the more esoteric forms of qualitative research, and focuses instead on the most common and most useful approaches—interviewing, narrative inquiry, ethnography, and case study. No course in PA Research Methods will be complete without this brief and inexpensive text.

“I have found excellent general qualitative research methods texts, yet I have longed for books that focus on matters specific to public affairs. This text stands out among a few others that have begun to fill this gap. Luton offers an up-to-date, down-to-earth guide that is at the same time theoretically informed, methodologically rigorous, and reflective of the issues that concern qualitative researchers in our field.” — Sonia Ospina, New York University (*)

“As a teacher of qualitative methods I have to say that the field of public administration desperately needs an introductory, student-friendly textbook in qualitative methods. Luton's book is a major step in that direction and is an excellent contribution to the field. The book is approachable, well organized, and handy for students.” — Dragan Stanisevski, Mississippi State University

“A high quality treatment of qualitative research approaches in public administration. I think a book like this has been a long time in coming. The author communicates both the reasons why qualitative research is important to the field and what distinguishes these approaches from quantitative methods.” — Christine Reed, University of Nebraska—Omaha

“The book is quite successful in introducing the four chosen approaches to qualitative research and offers a good overview of their use in the context of public administration. Luton is quite knowledgeable and understands well the issues of concern to qualitative researchers, and he offers a hands-on approach while framing the advice in a solid review of relevant literature. His case for more rigor in public administration qualitative research is important and pertinent. His plea in the conclusion for more 'imaginative composition forms to better capture the voices of those we interview, observe and engage' is a breath of fresh air. Altogether, Luton's book is a welcome resource for the field.” — Public Administration Review