Counting as a Qualitative Method

This concise guide presents counting as a sophisticated qualitative research method that moves beyond simple tallies to reveal meaningful patterns in social data. Wayne Fife demonstrates how systematic counting can transform fieldwork observations, interview transcripts, archival documents, and personal narratives into rich qualitative evidence. The book builds upon his innovative counting schedules methodology developed decades ago, showing researchers how to apply structured numerical approaches to traditionally non-numerical materials. This approach bridges the gap between qualitative depth and quantitative rigor in social science research.

What distinguishes this methodology is its practical applicability across diverse research contexts—from analyzing historical texts and government documents to interpreting diaries and field notes. Fife provides clear instruction on implementing counting techniques that enhance rather than reduce the complexity of qualitative findings. Social science researchers and graduate students will find this approach particularly valuable for bringing methodological transparency to their work while maintaining the nuanced understanding that qualitative research demands. The result is a fresh perspective on mixed-methods research that empowers scholars to uncover hidden patterns in their data.