The teaching of qualitative research skills in universities is now widespread and the number of institutions offering courses in research methods in education and the social sciences is growing, while professionals in the fields of education, health and the social services are increasingly required to carry out research, evaluation and reviews. will be an invaluable resource for all postgraduates and professionals engaged in research of this kind. Drawing upon the author's extensive experience of educational research in the Developing World, the book focuses upon working in a variety of cultural and national contexts. It combines the practice and theory of qualitative research by clarifying and communicating the core ideas and principles of this form of research and highlighting specific case studies as models of good practice.