Qualitative Disaster Research

Research that occurs in the context of emergencies and disasters requires attention to challenging contexts and circumstances. Qualitative Disaster Research walks readers through the ways in which those contexts can be managed to produce careful, rigorous, and scholarly work. Each chapter provides an overview of approaches, methods, and techniques with illustrations from established disaster studies. Step-by-step instructions outline ways to gather, analyze, and write up qualitative field data. User-friendly examples show readers how to move from initial research ideas to final publication. Throughout the volume, readers find helpful suggestions for a range of field-based scenarios. Qualitative Disaster Research stands out of the first volume of its kind with the singular intent to serve as a guide to those new to or wanting a refresher course in disaster studies. Students and faculty will find the book approachable and ideal for use in training the next generation of disaster researchers.

Brenda Phillips is Associate Dean of Ohio University-Chillicothe. She co-edited Women and Disasters: From Theory to Practice, and is the author of Disaster Recovery and the lead researcher for a National Council on Disability project titled Effective Emergency Management: Making Improvements for Communities and People with Disabilities. Professor Phillips has conducted research on disaster vulnerability since 1982, beginning as a student of E.L. Quarantelli at The Ohio State University's Disaster Research Center. Her published research can be found in a variety of journals including the International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters,Disaster Prevention, Disasters, Humanity and Society, the Journal of Emergency Management, Natural Hazards Review, and Environmental Hazards. She has been funded multiple times by the National Science Foundation to study disasters and vulnerable populations.