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Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research
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Engaging Crystallization in Qualitative Research
An Introduction



August 2008 | 240 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Drawing upon her multi-award-winning research and book using crystallization, author Laura Ellingson presents the first-ever step-by-step guide to employing this cutting-edge methodology.

Exploring Crystallization in Qualitative Research provides: thorough grounding in the field of qualitative research; answers to the relevant epistemological questions that arise when crossing inscribed methodological boundaries; detailed steps for design and planning; explication of the process of creating a multi-genre text and/or series of texts; suggestions for improving both social science and creative analytic writing; and strategies for targeting publication outlets.

While other books have explained how to write the "new ethnography" and autoethnography, and still others have described how to conduct grounded theory in more traditional, social constructionist, and postmodern, frameworks, this is the first work to date that has bridged these worlds in a "how to" book that celebrates each on its own terms, acknowledges inherent limitations of any genre, and explains how to integrate them through crystallization.

 
1. Introduction to Crystallization
Constructing Crystallization

 
Considering Genres

 
Resisting Dichotomies: A Continuum of Qualitative Methods

 
Principles of Crystallization

 
Facets of the Crystal: Types of Crystallization

 
Strengths of Crystallization

 
Limitations of Crystallization

 
Ethnographic Exemplars

 
Organization of This Book

 
Conclusion: Frequently Asked Questions About Crystallization

 
Interlude: Introducing the Author

 
 
2. Ethics and Epistemology: Assumptions Underlying Crystallization
What Is Epistemology and Why Does It Matter in Crystallization?

 
Making Knowledge: An Epistemological Basis for Crystallization

 
Voicing Other and Self: Ethics of Representation

 
First Do No Harm: Some Ethical Cautions

 
Strategies for Ethical Decision Making in Crystallization

 
Conclusion

 
Interlude: The Limits of Genre--An Exercise About Ethics and the Construction of Claims

 
 
3. Illuminating Options for Analysis and Representation Across the Continuum
Traditional Forms of Analysis

 
Same Old, Same Old: The Value of Traditional Qualitative Writing

 
Aesthetics and Analysis: Hybrids of Art and Science

 
Aesthetic Possibilities: Creative Analytic Practices

 
Conclusion

 
Interlude: Resisting Dichotomy, Embracing Continuum

 
 
4. Strategies for Design: Putting Crystallization Into Practice
Wondering

 
Weighing Your Options

 
Re/considering the Role of Theory

 
Decide on a Design

 
Conclusion

 
Interlude: Beware the Law of the Hammer

 
 
5. Bringing It All Together: Integrated Crystallization
Creating a Coherent Multigenre Text

 
Blending Genres and Blurring Boundaries: Woven Crystallization

 
Woven Crystallization Exemplars

 
Sharpening Edges and Separating Spaces: Patched Crystallization

 
Patched Crystallization Exemplars

 
Issues in Constructing Integrated Crystallization

 
Interlude: Quilting as Activism

 
 
6. All Apart: Dendritic Crystallization
Dendritic Practices

 
Benefits of Dendritic Crystallization

 
Dispersing Crystallized Findings

 
A Dendritic Exemplar

 
But Is This Really Crystallization?

 
Interlude: Coincidence, Synchronicity, and Putting It Out to the Universe

 
 
7. Writing Across the Continuum
Evaluating Writing and Representation

 
Improving your Process

 
Writing Well

 
Bag of Tricks

 
Conclusion

 
Interlude: Representing Difference

 
Writing Resources

 
 
8. Publishing and Promoting Crystallization
Lessons of Crystallization

 
Call to Action: Employing Crystallization to Promote Social Justice

 
Getting the World Out: Pursuing Publication

 
Justifying Your Work

 
Enclosing Wild Power: A Conclusion/Invitation

 
Interlude: When Your Work Is Rejected

 

"[This] book emphasizes effective communication and how to articulate complex information to an audience. Although the book is intended primarily for qualitative researchers, I believe it may be an equally important work for quantitative researchers. In reading this book, I have gained a deeper appreciation for qualitative research in general and a better understanding of how different methods can be applied toward understanding truth."

Karl N. Kelley
North Central College, Naperville
PsycCRITIQUES

"The book's key strength is its informed style and uplifting optimism about the future not only of qualitative research but of research at large...the book offers many ideas for researchers to play with and is a thorough and illuminating introduction to the theories, procedures, and politics of qualitative inquiry and publishing."

Jimmie Manning
Northern Kentucky University
The Southern Communication Journal

Did not meet the needs for dissertation research design, however I am considering the book for my advanced qualitative methods course.

Patrick Jenlink
Secondary Leadership Educ Dept, Stephen F Austin State University
May 11, 2013

Laura L. Ellingson

Laura L. Ellingson, Ph.D, is Associate Professor of Communication at Santa Clara University. Her research focuses on feminist theory and gender studies, qualitative methodology, and communication in health care organizations, including interdisciplinary communication, teamwork, and provider-patient communication. She is the author of Communicating in the Clinic: Negotiating Frontstage and Backstage Teamwork (Hampton Press) and has published articles in Health Communication, Journal of Aging Studies, Journal of Applied Communication Research, Qualitative Health Research, Women’s Studies in Communication, and Journal of Social and Personal... More About Author

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