Description

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Qualitative researchers incorporate the principles of holism, storytelling, ethics, body and mind links, relational focus, and creativity as key features of their practice. So do practitioners of Zen Buddhism. Leading qualitative researcher Valerie J. Janesick describes how qualitative inquiry can be informed and improved through an understanding of Zen principles. She calls for a contemplative qualitative inquiry that draws on the understandings of both East and West. In the book, she • explains how key Zen principles of impermanence, non-self, and nirvana apply to qualitative research projects;
• advocates important Zen-based practices of meditation, journaling, and poetic thinking;
• presents Zen stories, meditation techniques, and writing exercises to improve research practice.

About the Author

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Valerie J. Janesick (Ph.D. Michigan State University) is Professor of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa. She teaches courses in Qualitative Methods, Curriculum Theory & Inquiry, Ethics and Leadership. Her research and scholarly focus throughout her career have centered on three intertwined substantive interests: development and use of qualitative research methods through the arts and humanities; expanding narrative inquiry through the use of poetry, video, theater, visual and performing arts; and integrating qualitative inquiry into the understanding of critical pedagogy in the classroom. She has written numerous articles and books in these areas including the text, Stretching Exercises for Qualitative Researchers, 3rd ed.(2011) Sage Publications and Oral History Methods for the Qualitative Researcher: Choreographing the Story (2010) Guilford Press. In her spare time she is studying to become a yoga and meditation teacher.

Praise For…

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"This is an elegant and masterful application of basic ideas and practices from Zen—compassion, self-observation, emptiness, impermanence, satori—to all stages of a qualitative research project, even including a provocative 'eight-fold path' for research practice."
— John M. Johnson, Arizona State University