This article explains what is involved in qualitative field research and why it is an appropriate method for the study of certain events and activities. The article lists the social settings which are relevant to field research and discusses their strengths and weaknesses. It also examines six of the most common forms of qualitative field research designs or approaches and summarises the sampling methods involved in this type of research. The features of theoretical sampling are also discussed. The article concludes with a comprehensive explanation of the stages involved in qualitative field research.