An intricate concoction of human behavior and sheer will, Schneer’s work is the epitome of true grit, a roadmap to living a more wholesome life regardless of the hand one has been dealt. Even more imperative is his ability to show that one cannot look at the world in a linear fashion. On the contrary, it is an ever-changing, dynamic environment where the individual must adjust their lens to life. Though the primary focal points of Schneer’s life story and his qualitative research guidebook may seem like polar opposites, the thread that binds these aspects together is the author’s ability to essentially do qualitative research on his own life experiences.

Of all days, Schneer’s life is flipped upside down on Christmas Eve 2015, during a family event where he finds himself in the middle of a drunken fight. He comes out of it with a shattered spine and an entirely altered worldview. Yet what emerges to an even greater degree is a resilience that becomes the backbone of his identity. Truly, the fight, fall, get up, and fight again mindset is emblematic of what the human spirit can be, and it is demonstrated in the author’s depiction of qualitative research.

What makes humans tick? How can one listen without hearing? This deeper level of human understanding, beyond simply the exchange of word currency, taps into a higher understanding of the self and the ability to really form a connection with others, whether they are a client, friend, or a random stranger. From a technical perspective, the root of a strong qualitative researcher is curiosity, in tandem with an understanding of nonverbal communication. This enables them to produce a comprehensive portrait of their subject.

With succinct clarity and force, Schneer navigates through the seven major traits, each aligned with relatable vignettes and examples. Qualitative research, at its root, is data-oriented, yet it tells a story not through numbers but through anecdotal responses like interviews. In this vein, Schneer highlights how his background in journalism, which led him to the frontlines of numerous tragedies, became a precursor for breaking through the relatively new frontier of qualitative research.

The process of forming the Merrill Institute for Nonverbal Intelligence becomes the silver lining of the author’s healing process. In fact, the ability to ascertain an individual's subtle physiological changes, like deviations in breathing, mannerisms, or even the depth of sweat, is riveting to read about. As Schneer hones it through repeated experiences, it becomes a truly invaluable skill that can be applied to any setting, whether that is in the seminary while he studied apologetics or on the countless business ventures that saw him become a million-mile flier.

Above all else, qualitative research is a deep dive into unearthing human emotions, a method by which one can reasonably make a conclusion with the data presented to them. Schneer breaks down hindrances like false news and the divisions that have been created due to differing opinions and provides readers with the tools to eliminate biases and think at a more critical level. By synthesizing this pertinent guide, Schneer demonstrates that humanity, as a whole, is constantly emitting signals, constantly communicating, and that rather than simply relying on what someone says, it is essential to understand the whole individual. Written with conviction and evergreen wisdom, Schneer’s work is a blueprint for all audiences to sharpen the prism of their lives.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Return to USR Home