This is an exciting time for professionals associated with physical activity and the health professions. We have seen a substantial increase in the amount and type of research being conducted. Qualitative research has grown in popularity and has gained respect as a viable method of answering important research questions. Despite its broad appeal and inclusion in many disciplines, however, qualitative research often has an ethereal or mystical feel to it, particularly for those practitioners with strong roots in physical activity and the health professions. As qualitative researchers, we have conducted many studies, taught many graduatelevel research courses, and advised a great many graduate students in using qualitative methods for their theses.
