Comprehensive introduction to qualitative research methods used in social sciences. Selection of methods and techniques to be covered are: case studies for theory development and testing, including small-N, within-case comparative and single case studies, crucial case studies, most similar and most different cases studies, most likely and least likely case study design, the method of process tracing; inference of causal mechanisms; the logic of knowledge accumulation in comparative historical research; causal and descriptive inference; conceptualization; selection bias and concept stretching; time dimension of political processes, periodization, preferences, and inter-temporal analysis; relationship between ontology and methodology; necessary and sufficient concept structure; natural experiments and matching techniques; typologies and typological theorizing; counterfactual analysis; congruence method; fuzzy sets; content analysis; discourse analysis; interview techniques; ethnography and immersion; thick description; and useful tips and logistics of conducting fieldwork and archival research.