Novice researchers set out to fulfill all the obligations imposed by one theory, method or model but find that data and other conditions demand several approaches to ensure at least some semblance of reality. This collection of 21 articles focuses on a range of research theories but also describes how to mix methods to ensure the most accurate representation of findings. The introductory articles define the contexts for researching health, describe competing paradigms and show how to conduct an appropriate literature review. Articles on qualitative methods cover documents, unstructured interviews, observation focus groups and action research, while those on quantitative methods describe using sampling, surveys, statistics, randomized controlled trials, experimental methods and economics. Other articles comment on ethics, multidisciplinary research, research of alternative medicine, working with ethnic minority groups, involving consumers and conducting comparative health research. The final chapter covers writing up research and getting it published.