Analyzes some of the mistakes made and the lessons learned doing participant-observation research on six special congressional elections. Briefly describes seven of these lessons including schedule strategically, get multiple perspectives, do not overlook details, be a pack rat, and recognizing that some goals and processes are antithetical. (MJP)

Proposes the triangulation of two qualitative research methods, hermeneutics and grounded theory, to illuminate clinical realities that elude alternative approaches. Discusses how hermeneutics reveals perceptual information about the uniqueness of shared meanings and common practices, and how grounded theory provides a conceptual framework useful…