Balanced and authoritative, this volume brings together leading experts to present 13 methodologies widely used in literacy research. Following a consistent format, each chapter describes the methodology at hand, identifies the types of questions and claims for which it is well suited, delineates clear standards for quality, and presents one or more exemplary studies using the methodology. Guiding readers to choose wisely from available methodologies when designing their own research endeavors--and to understand the contributions that each mode of inquiry can generate--this is an essential text for graduate students in literacy. It is also an ideal resource for more experienced researchers seeking to build their skills for utilizing or evaluating particular approaches.