Radomír Masaryk - The Other Research: An Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Psychology Bratislava: Comenius University, 2021
The reviewed publication "The Other Research" is a methodological textbook focused on qualitative methods in psychology. The author addresses it primarily to students, but it is also beneficial for a broader audience seeking to build a solid foundation in research methodology. The author emphasizes that methodology is the foundation of knowledge creation and should not be reduced to merely an abstract, compulsory subject. In the introduction, he also points out that for many students, methodological disciplines are perceived as a so-called "scarecrow," or as a compulsory hurdle during their studies. For this reason, the publication aims to present methodology as a living and practical tool and to offer a new perspective on qualitative research. After studying it, the reader can better understand qualitative approaches and more comprehensively appreciate their significance in practice.
The publication consists of 10 chapters that progressively explain the basic principles of qualitative research. An original approach is the recommendation to study a specific research text before each chapter, allowing the reader to better navigate the topic at hand. This also creates space for reader participation in learning and deepens their understanding of the subject. Practical issues such as sample selection, ethical considerations, and data processing are presented in a clear and comprehensible manner that is both accessible and academically precise. A strong point of the publication is that the author presents more complex topics clearly and understandably, giving the text high didactic value and serving as a valuable educational tool.
The contextualization of qualitative methods can be considered a significant contribution – the author does not limit their presentation solely to technical procedures but shows their irreplaceability in investigating areas where quantitative approaches cannot capture the subjective experiences, meanings, and processes of participants' lived experience. The publication also offers a link between theory and practice – chapters on research ethics or sample selection present specific cases and recommended texts that illustrate the application of theoretical concepts.
On the other hand, for more advanced readers, the text does not provide a sufficiently detailed discussion of some methodological issues and lacks comprehensive examples demonstrating the entire research process from design to data analysis. Some areas, such as data coding, researcher reflexivity, or advanced interpretive approaches, are covered only in outline.
Despite these limitations, the publication The Other Research is a significant contribution to the methodological literature in Slovakia and offers insights that may also be relevant in an international context. It enables a better understanding of qualitative approaches, breaks down prejudices, and supports critical thinking. The text is suitable as a basis for lectures and seminars on research methodology, for beginners in research, and for those interested in empirical work.
Overall, it can be concluded that the publication represents a valuable and much-needed addition to Slovak methodological literature. It offers a clear and motivating entry into qualitative research and is of undoubted benefit to students, educators, and beginning researchers alike.