It is a systematic and rigorous way of collecting and analyzing information. (Creswell, 2007)

It is a tradition such as narrative inquiry, case study, phenomenology, and action research, which employs generally accepted research methods.

It is a research approach; it creates an in-depth description and analysis of a bounded system - one individual, institution, or educational context. (Creswell, 2007)

It is a research approach; it is the in-depth study of a cultural group that typically includes extended observation of that group 'in the field'. (Creswell, 2007)

It is a qualitative research approach; it employs a variety of data collection methods, particularly interviews, to elicit, document, and analyze life experiences as they are recounted by the individuals who live them. (Creswell, 2007)

It is a research approach; it describes the meanings that several individuals have of experiencing a single phenomenon.

It is the study of knowledge. It addresses questions like, 'What is knowledge?', 'How is knowledge acquired?', and 'How do we know what we know?' (Creswell, 2007)

It is a set of beliefs about the nature of reality, and considers the question, 'When is something real?' (Creswell, 2007)

It is the study of value; in qualitative research, there is an assumption that all research is value-laden, and includes the value systems of the researcher, the theory, research methodology, and research paradigm, as well as the social and cultural norms of the researcher and participants. (Creswell, 2007)