Understanding Qualitative Research: A Review of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’

Niway Ayalew Adimasu; Kenenisa Lemi Debela

doi:doi:10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13

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Understanding Qualitative Research: A Review of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’

Niway Ayalew Adimasu^*, Kenenisa Lemi Debela

Published in Science Research (Volume 13, Issue 1)

Received: 13 April 2025 Accepted: 27 April 2025 Published: 23 June 2025

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Abstract

In reviewing the 9^th edition of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’ the reviewers found this book to be a guide for readers from the initial stages of research design through to data collection and analysis, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced researchers. One of the prominent features of the book is its ability to combine theoretical understanding with real examples from numerous disciplines with helpful advice. This fusion permits investigators to see the real-world implications of qualitative methods, bridging the gap between abstract concepts and practical application. In addition, we realize that, Lune and Berg's book is accessible and engaging, making complex concepts understandable. Further, the inclusion of case studies and real-world examples enriches the learning experience, providing readers with practical insights into the challenges and rewards of qualitative research. Remarkably, the reviewers recognize the book to be an instrument for addressing contemporary issues, such as the impact of digital technologies on data collection and the growing relevance of qualitative research in an increasingly interconnected world. The book also addresses contemporary challenges; encouraging researchers to adapt and innovate in their approaches to educational inquiry. These are remarkable aspects of the book that we particularly valued in our review.

Published in	Science Research (Volume 13, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13
Page(s)	8-12
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Qualitative Research, Methods, Social Sciences

1. Introduction

Qualitative research methods, which explore the complexities of lived experiences, offer crucial insights that numbers alone cannot. Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences by

[12]

provide a thorough guide to these methodologies, combining practical techniques with theoretical exploration. This book is an essential resource for researchers seeking an organized yet reflective approach to qualitative research. In the social sciences, understanding the complexities of human behavior, social patterns, and cultural dynamics means more than just quantitative analysis. The philosophical underpinnings of qualitative inquiry are explored in Lune and Berg's work, which frames it as an interpretive and dynamic process rather than a strict, objective undertaking. As they urge researchers to critically engage with their own biases and positionality throughout the research process, they highlight the significance of reflexivity in qualitative research

[12]

. This nuanced viewpoint emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and the researcher's role as an active participant in knowledge construction. Authors such as

[6, 7]

also stress the significance of the researcher's role in shaping findings. In a similar vein,

[3, 5]

promotes the interpretive character of qualitative research, emphasizing that participants and the researcher co-create data rather than just discovering it.

[8]

go into further detail about the significance of ethical research practices, contending that the validity and credibility of qualitative research depend heavily on the reflexivity of the researcher.

[14]

refer to this ethical reflection as the "reflexive turn" in qualitative inquiry, which requires researchers to actively consider their role in the research process.

The purpose of this review is to give readers a better grasp of the book's contributions to qualitative social science research. We hope to demonstrate how Lune and Berg's work enables researchers to plan, carry out, and evaluate qualitative studies that are both methodologically sound and ethically grounded by dissecting the main ideas and approaches covered. Through this book review, we hope to highlight the book's significance as a foundational text in the field.

[12]

, one contributor who emphasizes the importance of methodological rigor in qualitative inquiry, agrees that the book's integration of theory and practice makes it an indispensable tool for both veteran and novice qualitative researchers.

Authors’ History

Howard Lune is a professor at Hunter College, CUNY, specializing in qualitative research methods and urban sociology. He has contributed significantly to the field through his teaching and publications, focusing on the practical application of qualitative methodologies. Bruce L. Berg is a professor at California State University, Long Beach, with expertise in qualitative research, social theory, and research methodology. He has authored several works on qualitative methods and has been active in promoting qualitative research in the social sciences. Together, they have collaborated on the "Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences" textbook, which has become a key resource for students and researchers, reflecting their extensive experience and knowledge in qualitative research.

2. Book Content

Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences by Lune and Berg is a thorough and insightful exploration of qualitative research methodologies, making it an indispensable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the social sciences. This book, which is 251 pages long and divided into 12 chapters, offers a thorough guide to qualitative research. The first chapter introduces the ethics and foundations of qualitative research, setting the stage for the subsequent in-depth discussions. The book then delves into designing research projects and gathering data using a variety of techniques, including ethnography, case studies, and content analysis that provide both theoretical and practical applications.

Twelve chapters that methodically cover a range of topics related to qualitative research, from fundamental ideas to particular techniques and ethical considerations, make up the well-organized book. Each chapter's content is precisely summarized in the sections that follow. The authors skillfully lay the groundwork for a more thorough examination of the difficulties in comprehending social phenomena and human behavior in the first chapter by giving a fundamental review of qualitative research techniques in the social sciences. They start by questioning the reader's presumptions about knowledge, highlighting the fact that our perceptions of what we know are frequently faulty and influenced by our own prejudices. By emphasizing that knowledge is created rather than merely discovered, this critical viewpoint promotes an open-minded approach to research

[5]

. The use of triangulation in research methodology, which combines several data sources or approaches to improve the validity and reliability of findings, is also covered by the authors

[7]

. The article describes a number of qualitative techniques that offer distinct methods for gathering and analyzing data that are based on various theoretical frameworks, including case studies, ethnography, grounded theory, and narrative analysis

[8]

. Lune and Berg provide a comprehensive manual for creating qualitative research in the second chapter, stressing the value of deliberate research paths and accurate conceptualization. They make a distinction between theories and laws, pointing out that social sciences tend to uncover patterns rather than absolute truths. This emphasizes the necessity of well-defined concepts to enable efficient communication and measurement.

In addition to introducing concept mapping as a useful tool for idea organization, the authors address the importance of carrying out thorough literature reviews to inform research questions and operationalize concepts. According to Lune and Berg, a well-structured research design guarantees that all elements function together to produce trustworthy results, underscoring the importance of sharing research findings to benefit the scientific community

[4]

. The chapter 3 of the book discusses the moral responsibilities of social scientists who work with human subjects in research, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the welfare, rights, and privacy of participants. The authors discuss a number of ethical issues, such as harm, consent, confidentiality, and academic integrity, and they support careful research design as a means of reducing risks, especially in observational and qualitative studies. Along with discussing how Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) adjust to maintain ethical standards while advancing research, they also take into account the difficulties posed by new approaches, such as online research. This analysis of moral dilemmas aligns with

[18]

demand for integrity and ethical reflexivity in all stages of the research process. As

[14]

discuss, ethics in qualitative research are frequently contextual, and Lune and Berg support this idea by incorporating real-world ethical dilemmas.

Lune and Berg examine the difficulties of conducting interviews in chapter 4, stressing that it is a complex performance that calls for skill and strategy rather than merely a straightforward conversation. By classifying interview structures into standardized, unstandardized, and semi-standardized formats, they highlight the importance of building rapport, adjusting to the interviewee's responses, and skillfully controlling the flow of the conversation. Along with the ongoing process of analyzing interview data through systematic coding and thematic organization, they also look at the significance of effective communication and comprehending the cultural context of the subjects

[13]

. The interview is presented as a performativity act in which both the interviewer and interviewee assume distinct roles, requiring the interviewer to be aware and adaptable to elicit rich and meaningful insights

[2]

In chapter 5, Lune and Berg provide a thorough analysis of focus group interviewing, going over the dynamics and structure of the sessions as well as how well they work to probe participants' psychological and sociocultural traits through facilitated dialogues. The authors stress important elements of conducting a successful focus group, including the need for a knowledgeable moderator, careful participant selection, and the establishment of a welcoming environment. Focus groups are a useful technique for obtaining qualitative information that captures group viewpoints when they are carried out carefully and methodically

[10]

. In chapter 6, Lune and Berg present the intricacies of ethnographic field strategies, emphasizing participant observation, gaining access to research environments, and the necessity of meticulous planning for successful observation and learning. The authors emphasize reflexivity, calling on researchers to recognize their own biases and roles in interpreting data, and they offer analytical tools such as typologies, socio grams, and metaphors to help organize ethnographic data while also addressing the practical and emotional challenges of leaving the field

[9]

. In chapter 7, Lune and Berg discuss Participatory Action Research (PAR), highlighting its collaborative approach to promoting social change. They describe the three basic stages of PAR: looking (evaluating the state of affairs and recognizing issues), thinking (evaluating and interpreting information), and action (putting solutions into practice). The authors also present the photo voice technique, which uses visual storytelling to empower participants

[15]

Lune and Berg present unobtrusive research techniques in chapter 8, which minimize researcher reactivity by collecting data without speaking with subjects directly. They highlight the advantages and difficulties of non-intrusive techniques by classifying them into archival strategies and physical traces

[16]

. In chapter 9, Lune and Berg offer a thorough examination of historical research, making a distinction between social historical research—which aims to comprehend social life within historical contexts and traditional historical narratives. They stress the value of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources and the need to assess them using both internal and external critique

[11]

. Lune and Berg examine the case study method in chapter 10, talking about how it can be used to examine a variety of phenomena, such as community dynamics, organizational behaviors, and individual experiences. They discuss the four primary designs exploratory, explanatory, descriptive, and comparative and classify case studies into intrinsic, instrumental, and collective types, highlighting the significance of using a variety of data collection techniques

[11, 17]

. Lune and Berg present qualitative data analysis in Chapter 11, emphasizing content analysis as a crucial technique for interpreting qualitative data from sources such as documents and interviews. They offer a thorough manual on methods for performing content analysis, such as classifying and coding information to find trends and themes

[1]

. The function of computer software in qualitative data analysis is also covered. Lune and Berg address the significance of clearly conveying the results of qualitative research in the concluding chapter. They offer methods for guaranteeing clarity and credibility in academic work as well as an explanation of the format of a typical research paper

[3]

. Additionally, this section identifies typical errors made by researchers and students when presenting their findings and provides helpful guidance to guarantee effective research communication.

3. Reviewers’ Evaluation

In our opinion, Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences is a motivating book that offers a thorough manual for social science practitioners and students. Authors Howard Lune and Bruce L. Berg expand on the fundamentals of qualitative research in the ninth edition, providing modern perspectives and approaches that take into account the changing field of social inquiry

[12]

. In addition to updating earlier material, this edition takes into account recent advancements in qualitative research techniques. Notably, the writers successfully connect theory to practice, making sure that readers understand the fundamental ideas and know how to apply them in actual situations. The text is especially helpful for practitioners and students looking to improve their qualitative research because of its dual focus.

The book's thorough analysis of numerous qualitative approaches, which includes concise explanations of each method's advantages and disadvantages, is another important strength. Readers can decide which approaches are best for their research questions and contexts with the help of this thorough approach. Furthermore, by demonstrating how these techniques can be successfully used in real-world research settings, case studies and real-world examples enhance the educational experience

[18]

. Consequently; this enhances the standing of qualitative research as an academic discipline, which is typically regarded as an approach by distinguished authors like

[6]

. Although the book has many strong points, one significant drawback is that it may not adequately address cultural differences, which limits the applicability of its examples in a variety of contexts. For researchers operating in cross-cultural or international contexts, where cultural sensitivity and contextual knowledge are essential, this may be especially significant. However, as noted by

[14]

, such limitations are common across many qualitative texts that primarily focus on Western paradigms. All things considered, anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of qualitative approaches and how they are applied in social science research will find Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences to be a useful resource. Students, researchers, and practitioners in the social sciences, education, health, and other domains that employ qualitative research are therefore strongly encouraged to use it

[2, 8]

4. Conclusion and Suggestions on the Book

For novice and seasoned social scientists, Lune and Berg's book Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences is a vital resource because it provides a comprehensive and perceptive examination of qualitative research methodologies. By skillfully fusing theoretical ideas with real-world applications, the book gives readers the means to apply qualitative research methods in authentic research environments while also allowing them to become deeply involved with these processes. The book's thorough and understandable discussion of numerous qualitative research techniques, including ethnography, case studies, and interviews, is one of its main advantages. To help readers select the best approach for their particular research questions and contexts, Lune and Berg give thorough explanations of each approach, going over its benefits, drawbacks, and best practices. Additionally, by showing how these techniques are used in practice, the authors' incorporation of case studies and real-world examples raises the text's educational value. Students and practitioners will be better prepared to conduct ethical, rigorous, and significant research thanks to the book's emphasis on ethical considerations, reflexivity, and the researcher's role in the research process.

The book does, however, have certain shortcomings in spite of its many positive aspects. Its disregard for cultural variations in qualitative research is one of its obvious flaws. The book's examples frequently represent Western viewpoints, which might not be appropriate in situations with different cultural norms. More examples from various cultural contexts would improve the book's relevance and applicability for a larger audience, as qualitative research is increasingly being conducted in global and cross-cultural settings. As

[14]

point out, many qualitative texts primarily focus on Western paradigms, so this limitation is not specific to Lune and Berg's work. Regarding recommendations for enhancement, it would be advantageous for the writers to include more case studies from various cultural and geographic contexts as well as global viewpoints. By doing this, the book's scope would be expanded and its applicability to researchers working in various contexts would be guaranteed. Given the growing dependence on digital platforms in modern research, a more thorough examination of the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies in qualitative research, such as online interviews and digital ethnography, would also be beneficial. To sum up, for anyone interested in qualitative research, Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences is a priceless resource. It is a great resource for professionals and students alike because of its practical approach, clear structure, and emphasis on ethical reflection. The book is still a highly recommended read for anyone looking to learn more about qualitative research and its applications in a variety of social science fields, even though there is potential for improvement in terms of cultural diversity and the inclusion of new technologies.

Abbreviations

PAR	Participatory Action Research

Author Contributions

Niway Ayalew Adimasu: Conceptualization, Formal Analysis, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.

Kenenisa Lemi Debela: Supervision.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Bazeley, P. (2013). Qualitative Data Analysis: Practical Strategies. Sage.
[2]	Berg, B. L., & Lune, H. (2017). Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences (9th ed.). Pearson.
[3]	Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2008). The Craft of Research (3rd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
[4]	Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.
[5]	Charmaz, K. (2014). Constructing Grounded Theory (2nd ed.). Sage.
[6]	Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
[7]	Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed.). Sage.
[8]	Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2018). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
[9]	Glesne, C. (2016). Becoming Qualitative Researchers: An Introduction (5th ed.). Pearson.
[10]	Krueger, R. A., & Casey, M. A. (2015). Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Applied Research (5th ed.). Sage.
[11]	Levy, M. (2019). Historical Research in the Social Sciences: Methodology, Ethics, and Analysis. Sage.
[12]	Lune, H., & Berg, B. L. (2017). Qualitative research methods for the social sciences (9th ed.). Pearson.
[13]	Mason, J. (2018). Qualitative Researching (3rd ed.). Sage.
[14]	Ravitch, S. M., & Carl, N. M. (2021). Qualitative Research: Bridging the Conceptual, Theoretical, and Methodological. Sage.
[15]	Reason, P., & Bradbury, H. (2008). Handbook of Action Research: Participative Inquiry and Practice (2nd ed.). Sage.
[16]	Schwandt, T. A. (2015). The Sage Dictionary of Qualitative Inquiry (4th ed.). Sage.
[17]	Stake, R. E. (1995). The Art of Case Study Research. Sage.
[18]	Tracy, S. J. (2020). Qualitative research methods: Collecting evidence, crafting analysis, communicating impact (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.

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Adimasu, N. A., Debela, K. L. (2025). Understanding Qualitative Research: A Review of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’. Science Research, 13(1), 8-12. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13

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Adimasu, N. A.; Debela, K. L. Understanding Qualitative Research: A Review of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’. Sci. Res. 2025, 13(1), 8-12. doi: 10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13

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Adimasu NA, Debela KL. Understanding Qualitative Research: A Review of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’. Sci Res. 2025;13(1):8-12. doi: 10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13

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@article{10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13,
  author = {Niway Ayalew Adimasu and Kenenisa Lemi Debela},
  title = {Understanding Qualitative Research: A Review of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’
},
  journal = {Science Research},
  volume = {13},
  number = {1},
  pages = {8-12},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sr.20251301.13},
  abstract = {In reviewing the 9th edition of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’ the reviewers found this book to be a guide for readers from the initial stages of research design through to data collection and analysis, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced researchers. One of the prominent features of the book is its ability to combine theoretical understanding with real examples from numerous disciplines with helpful advice. This fusion permits investigators to see the real-world implications of qualitative methods, bridging the gap between abstract concepts and practical application. In addition, we realize that, Lune and Berg's book is accessible and engaging, making complex concepts understandable. Further, the inclusion of case studies and real-world examples enriches the learning experience, providing readers with practical insights into the challenges and rewards of qualitative research. Remarkably, the reviewers recognize the book to be an instrument for addressing contemporary issues, such as the impact of digital technologies on data collection and the growing relevance of qualitative research in an increasingly interconnected world. The book also addresses contemporary challenges; encouraging researchers to adapt and innovate in their approaches to educational inquiry. These are remarkable aspects of the book that we particularly valued in our review.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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T1 - Understanding Qualitative Research: A Review of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’

AU - Niway Ayalew Adimasu
AU - Kenenisa Lemi Debela
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Author Information

Niway Ayalew Adimasu

College of Business and Economics, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

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Kenenisa Lemi Debela

College of Business and Economics, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Adimasu, N. A., Debela, K. L. (2025). Understanding Qualitative Research: A Review of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’. Science Research, 13(1), 8-12. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13

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ACS Style

Adimasu, N. A.; Debela, K. L. Understanding Qualitative Research: A Review of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’. Sci. Res. 2025, 13(1), 8-12. doi: 10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13

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AMA Style

Adimasu NA, Debela KL. Understanding Qualitative Research: A Review of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’. Sci Res. 2025;13(1):8-12. doi: 10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13,
  author = {Niway Ayalew Adimasu and Kenenisa Lemi Debela},
  title = {Understanding Qualitative Research: A Review of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’
},
  journal = {Science Research},
  volume = {13},
  number = {1},
  pages = {8-12},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sr.20251301.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sr.20251301.13},
  abstract = {In reviewing the 9th edition of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’ the reviewers found this book to be a guide for readers from the initial stages of research design through to data collection and analysis, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced researchers. One of the prominent features of the book is its ability to combine theoretical understanding with real examples from numerous disciplines with helpful advice. This fusion permits investigators to see the real-world implications of qualitative methods, bridging the gap between abstract concepts and practical application. In addition, we realize that, Lune and Berg's book is accessible and engaging, making complex concepts understandable. Further, the inclusion of case studies and real-world examples enriches the learning experience, providing readers with practical insights into the challenges and rewards of qualitative research. Remarkably, the reviewers recognize the book to be an instrument for addressing contemporary issues, such as the impact of digital technologies on data collection and the growing relevance of qualitative research in an increasingly interconnected world. The book also addresses contemporary challenges; encouraging researchers to adapt and innovate in their approaches to educational inquiry. These are remarkable aspects of the book that we particularly valued in our review.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY - JOUR
T1 - Understanding Qualitative Research: A Review of Howard Lune & Bruce L. Berg’s ‘‘Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences’’

VL - 13
IS - 1
ER -

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