As educators and social researchers have become more familiar with the promise of qualitative inquiry, so do students need a strong foundation of qualitative research methods. Offering a comprehensive overview of qualitative research in a user-friendly format, this text provides an excellent harmony between qualitative theory and the practicalities of actually conducting qualitative research. Exercises offer beginning students the opportunity to explore issues inherent in conducting qualitative inquiry as well as to practice and refine the skills of qualitative researchers. The wealth of examples and exercises in the text is exceptional, as is the writing style.