This highly readable text demystifies the qualitative research process-and helps readers conceptualize their own studies-by organizing the different research paradigms and traditions into coherent clusters. Real-world examples and firsthand perspectives illustrate the research process; instructive exercises and activities build on each other so readers can develop their own proposals or reports as they work through the book. Provided are strategies for selecting a research topic, entering and exiting sites, and navigating the complexities of ethical issues and the researcher's role. Readers learn how to use a range of data collection methods-including observational strategies, interviewing, focus groups, e-mail and chat rooms, and arts-based media-and to manage, analyze, and report the resulting data.

Useful pedagogical features include:
*In-class and field activities to apply qualitative concepts.
*Discussion questions, proposal development exercises, and reflexive journal activities.
*Exemplary qualitative studies and two sample proposals.
*Cautionary notes, or ""Wild Cards,"" about possible research pitfalls.
*Tables that summarize concepts and present helpful tips.