This book is the only guide to using qualitative methods in communication research. It introduces readers to every step of the qualitative research process, from developing research topics and questions, through to writing a final report. In addition to covering the theories and methods currently used in qualitative communication research, the authors also discusses important trends influencing the future of that research.Key features:Accessibility: Through a clearer and more direct writing style, and providing more examples and exercises, the authors have made book accessible to both undergraduate and graduate students Provides a guide to the current contexts of qualitative research: Addresses contemporary ethical, political, and practical issues students will face, including the influences of globalization on research; use of recording technology in fieldwork; the challenges and opportunities related to studying multi-media, on-line environments; and ongoing debates on the formats of qualitative writing Addresses contemporary ethical, political, and practical issues students will face, including the influences of globalization on research; use of recording technology in fieldwork; the challenges and opportunities related to studying multi-media, on-line environments; and ongoing debates on the formats of qualitative writing NEW Chapter 7 on analyzing material culture and documents: Together with updated discussions of participant-observation and interviewing, the book now provides integrated coverage on data-producing methods, showing how fieldwork methods can successfully combine Together with updated discussions of participant-observation and interviewing, the book now provides integrated coverage on data-producing methods, showing how fieldwork methods can successfully combine Addresses current technological developments: Shows students how â??newâ? media â?? such as e-mail, texting, cell phone video, and blogging â?? not only form topics