The book, written from the perspective and interests of readers includes four main part, each part containing one or more chapters for clarification.  Part one discusses different epistemologies, ontologies and axiologies that lead us to see and understand health, injury and risk as social phenomena in distinct ways.  It clarifies the difference between positivist or traditional medical and qualitative research.

Part two demonstrates the essential orientations in qualitative research that have served as the hallmark of sociological analyses and fieldwork procedures.  We come to see how different school of thought described as symbolic interactionism, phenomenology, social ecology, ethnomethodology, conversational analysis, and critical analysis are different yet similar.  As of late there have been major development in particpatory, feminist, post moders/post structuralist and cybernetic research.  Each one can have a profound impact on the everyday realilty of public health intervention strategies.

Part three pursues fieldwork procedures, experiences and problems which confront researchers in the pursuit of data collection.  Numerous examples are included to bring the procedures to life and to clarify practical issues and theoretical debates.

Part four offers descriptions of data analysis.  The emphasis is on creative yet practical approaches.  This section also clarifies ethical underpinnings in all phases of the research and the craft of report writing.

The book represents a pedagogical approach.  It brings research to life.  For the reader who likes more traditionally based writing, I am willing to do penance.