This new edition of Lyn Richards' best-selling book provides an accessible introduction to qualitative research for students and practitioners. Recognizing that for many new researchers dealing with data is the main point of departure, this book helps them to acquire a progressive understanding of the skills and methodological issues that are central to qualitative research. This second edition features increased coverage of ethical implications, preparing for data collection and reflecting on the nature of data, and there is also a brand new website, offering live, detailed case studiesand asoftware guide with links to information and tutorials in several products.