Beginning Qualitative Research is a guide for novice practitioners. The reader and/or teacher, alone or as a part of a class on qualitative research, can conduct a qualitative inquiry from beginning to end using this work as the primary guide. The step-by-step instructions for each phase of the research allow the reader to learn, reflect on, and apply new knowledge and skills. Further, the novice qualitative researcher, by reflecting on the questions and issues raised in the text, can restructure their existing skills and knowledge in service of their research project. Importantly, these step-by-step instructions are embedded within the context of the philosophic underpinning of the research paradigm. Each chapter of the book, including the philosophical chapters, has activities which clarify and extend the readers' understanding of the themes being explored. From the generation of research ideas, to the collection and analysis of data, to the final write-up, novice qualitative researchers are given the tools for learning both the 'how to' and 'why' of a research project.