Qualitative research can be defined in terms of the role played by the researcher; the type of methodology used; the setting and participants; and the outcome(s). In comparison to quantitative research, qualitative research is based on inductive reasoning and uses few cases and many variables. The forms of data collected during qualitative research include observations, interviews, documents and audiovisual materials as they relate to the questions posed in a study. In observation, researchers can function in a number of roles ranging from an outsider to a participant in the research experience or situation. Interviews can also be structured in different ways and employ a variety of recording techniques. Documents vary from journals kept by the researcher to photos and videos made by participants, while acceptable audio-visual materials vary as well. A number of authorities on qualitative research recommend using a specific protocol while doing an observation or interview such as how to best take notes while observing or determining the tone of an interview before hand. Once the qualitative researcher is out in the field other issues arise, including the amount of time required to collect data, and how to deal with equipment effectively. Keyword(s): dance, research