Includes bibliographical references and (p. 247-258) index.

Introduction and overview of the field -- Insights from the past -- Learning how to be a qualitative researcher -- Ethical issues in qualitative research -- Designing your research: choosing from a variety of approaches -- Embarking on qualitative research -- Self-reflexivity and subjectivity -- The role and function of a literature review -- Learning about others through interviewing -- Learning about others through observation and other techniques -- Making meaning from your data -- Communicating your ideas -- Judging and evaluating -- Thinking about the future.

Qualitative Research in Education: A User's Guide, Second Edition brings together the essential elements of qualitative research, including traditions and influences in the field and practical, step-by-step coverage of each stage of the research process. Synthesizing the best thinking on conducting qualitative research in education, Marilyn Lichtman uses a conversational writing style that draws readers into the excitement of the research process. --from publisher description.