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, email and chat rooms, and arts-based media--and to manage, analyze, and report the resulting data. Useful pedagogical features include: (1) In-class and field activities to apply qualitative concepts; (2) Discussion questions, proposal development exercises, and reflexive journal activities; (3) Exemplary qualitative studies and two sample proposals; (4) Cautionary notes, or "Wild Cards," about possible research pitfalls; and (5) Tables that summarize concepts and present helpful tips.