The authors analyze the observational methods which historically form the basis of the field of psychology. They go on to address topics such as: validity and reliability, training issues, ethics, and use of qualitative computer programmes. In the second part, issues related to the application of qualitative methods are considered, for example HIV//AIDS, feminist perspectives, vocational, and adolescent development.The authors analyze the observational methods which historically form the basis of the field of psychology. They go on to address topics such as: validity and reliability, training issues, ethics, and use of qualitative computer programmes. In the second part, issues related to the application of qualitative methods are considered, for example HIV//AIDS, feminist perspectives, vocational, and adolescent development.SECTION ONE: FOUNDATIONAL ISSUES IN QUALITATIVE METHODS PART ONE: THE PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF QUALITATIVE METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY Qualitative Research - David L Rennie A Matter of Hermaneutics and the Sociology of Knowledge Locating the Qualitative Research Genre - Lisa Tsoi Hoshmand An Exploration of Quality in Qualitative Research - Elizabeth Merrick Are `Reliability' and `Validity' Relevant? The Role of the Qualitative Researcher - Daniel Sciarra Merging Qualitative and Quantitative Perspectives in a Research Identity - Joseph G Ponterotto and Ingrid Grieger PART TWO: PRACTICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR CONDUCTING QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Ethics in Qualitative Research - Cori Cieurzo and Merle A Keitel The Internet and Qualitative Research - Patricia O'Brien Libutti Opportunities and Constraints on Analysis of Cyberspace Discourse Teaching Qualitative Research in Psychology - Sally D Stabb Designing Qualitative Research Reports for Publication - Constance T Fischer SECTION TWO: APPlC,