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