This highly readable text demystifies the qualitative research processβand helps readers conceptualize their own studiesβby 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 methodsβincluding observational strategies, interviewing, focus groups, e-mail and chat rooms, and arts-based mediaβand to manage, analyze, and report the resulting data.Β 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.Β