Oral History: Understanding Qualitative Research

197 Pages·2011·0.757 MB·English

by  Patricia Leavy

oral history
SERIES IN UNDERSTANDING STATISTICS
s. natasha beretvas
Series Editor
SERIES IN UNDERSTANDING MEASUREMENT
s. natasha beretvas
Series Editor
SERIES IN UNDERSTANDING QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
patricia leavy
Series Editor
Understanding Statistics Understanding Qualitative
Research
Eff ect Sizes
Steve Olejnik Oral History
Patricia Leavy
Exploratory Factor Analysis
Leandre Fabrigar and Duane Wegener Th e Fundamentals of Qualitative
Research
Multilevel Modeling
Johnny Saldaña
Joop Hox
Computer-Assisted Analysis of
Structural Equation Modeling
Qualitative Data
Marilyn Th ompson
Christina Silver
Ethnography
Understanding Measurement Carol A. Bailey
Item Response Th eory
Christine DeMars
Reliability
Patrick Meyer
Validity
Catherine Taylor
patricia leavy
O R A L H I S T O RY
1
1
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Copyright © 2011 by Oxford University Press, Inc.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Leavy, Patricia, 1975-
Oral history / Patricia Leavy.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-19-539509-9 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Oral history—Handbooks,
manuals, etc. 2. Oral history—Methodology. 3. Interviewing—Handbooks,
manuals, etc. I. Title.
D16.14.L39 2011
001.4’33—dc22 2010017789
Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper
for Mark Robins
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acknowledgments
In the work toward this book I appreciate the assistance of so
many. First and foremost thank you to my editor, Abby Gross.
Abby, thank you for taking on this series with such enthusiasm
and professionalism. I also extend a spirited thank you to Lori
Handelman. Lori, thank you for your faith, support, expertise, and
humor throughout the process of putting this book together.
In this vein I wish to express my gratitude to all those at Oxford
University Press who have contributed to this book with a special
thank you to Manasa Vijaykumar for her outstanding project
management support and Ashley Polikoff for coordinating the
production of the book. Next, I extend a heartfelt thank you to my
undergraduate editorial assistant, Meaghan Stiman (2010), for
her editorial expertise, extensive research and copyediting sup-
port, and unwavering enthusiasm. I also wish to thank my under-
graduate student, Jennifer Errante (2010), for her assistance with
the literature review. Th e warmest note of appreciation to Carolyn
Ellis, Tori Lockler, and Ellen Klein for the wonderful piece they
wrote for this book. You are gift ed writers! I would also like to
thank my research methodology mentor, Sharlene Hesse-Biber
(Boston College). Finally, I would like to thank my family, without
viii : ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
whom this book would not be possible. First, I would like to
acknowledge my mother, Sylvia Leavy. My fi rst oral history project
was with my mother, and for me, it was an unforgettable experi-
ence. I would also like to acknowledge my father, Bob Leavy, who
taught me the value of history but always with an eye for a more
hopeful future. I also extend a warm note of recognition to my
in-laws, Carolyn and Charles Robins for their love and friendship.
Next, I would like to thank my daughter Madeline for all of the
snuggles that have become the heart of my life’s experience. Finally,
I lovingly dedicate this book to Mark Robins. Th ank you for all of
the conversations, support, and for making my life infi nitely
richer.
contents
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CHAPTER 2 RESEARCH DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
CHAPTER 3 WRITING UP THE METHODOLOGY SECTION . . . . . 67
CHAPTER 4 WRITING UP THE RESEARCH FINDINGS . . . . . . 95
CHAPTER 5 DISCUSSION: CONCEPTS AND STRATEGIES
FOR EVALUATING ORAL HISTORY RESEARCH . . . . . 133
References and Resources . . . . . . . . . 161
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181