Includes bibliographical references and index.

Researchers have long been aware that demographic factors such as class, race, and gender affect students' experiences within the U.S. education system. This case study details a predominantly qualitative project that focused on how students' social class background patterned their experiences at a highly selective university. In particular, this case study documents several processes that unraveled unexpectedly during the research design, data collection, and write-up stages that are relevant to qualitative researchers: (a) conceptualizing a fundamental, yet fluid sociological concept, social class; (b) operationalizing this same concept; (c) grouping interviewees into categories, which at times oppose the interviewee's self-categorization; (d) enlisting a coauthor to move a piece to successful publication; and (e) using quantitative analysis to provide insights into qualitative data. In reading this case study, students will gain insight into the researchers' experiences and decision-making processes as we reveal a number of research design processes, obstacles, and resolutions.

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