This chapter describes skills and strategies for connecting QCR theory with practice. Despite
its limitations, qualitative research can be conceptualized as instruction, practice and assistance. They
are assessed based on a project’s objectives. In all cases, making appropriate decisions about data is
essential. Gathering evidence is linked to a general awareness of community-based research and a QCR
orientation. These are achievable through practice and varied assessments. The chapter offers
suggestions for faculty and student assessments. Guidelines for students are provided. Among the
challenges of community-based research are collaboration, defining a community and entering a
community. Each can be anticipated and reduced by careful planning and assessments. Conceptualizing
a community in terms of its resiliency is a perspective and an approach that provides useful data,
especially about marginalized communities. Finally, two getting started assignments are given; one on
community observations, the other on reviewing print media.
Keywords: Linking Theory and Practice, Strategies for Research as Instruction, Practice and Assistance,
QCR’s Limitations, Guidelines.