In this article, the authors clarify a framework for qualitative research, particularly for evaluating its quality, based on epistemology, methodology, and method. They define these elements and discuss their respective contributions and interrelationships. Epistemology determines and is made visible through method, particularly in the participant-researcher relationship, measures of research quality, and form, voice, and representation in analysis and writing. Epistemology guides methodological choices and is axiological. Methodology shapes and is shaped by research objectives, questions, and study design. Methodologies can prescribe choices of method, resonate with particular academic disciplines, and encourage or discourage the use and/or development of theory. Method is constrained by and makes visible methodological and epistemic choices. If we define good quality qualitative research as research that attends to all three elements and demonstrates internal consistency between them, standardized checklists can be transcended and innovation and diversity in qualitative research practice facilitated. Keywords: qualitative research, research design, epistemology, methodology, method, research quality, evidence-based medicine. The authors argue that three fundamental facets of research—epistemology, methodology, and method—should provide the framework for planning, implementing, and evaluating the quality of qualitative research. They clarify each of these research facets, their interrelationships, and their contributions to research practice and appraisal. Epistemology is the study of the nature of knowledge and justification. Methodology is the study of methods, and method is the practical activities of research. Epistemology influences methodology and justifies the knowledge produced. Methodology justifies method, which produces data and analyses. Knowledge is created from data and analyses. Epistemology modifies methodology and justifies the knowledge produced. Methodology influences the choice of methods, the research process, and the interpretation of findings. It also influences the relationship between the researcher and the participant, the way in which the quality of methods is demonstrated, and the form, voice, and representation in the method. Method is the research action. Research methods are the practical activities of research: sampling, data collection, data management, data analysis, and reporting. Qualitative research samples purposively; that is, samples are selected to serve an investigative purpose rather than to be statistically representative of a population. Qualitative data collection methods include observation, interviews, focus groups, collection of extant texts, elicitation of texts, and the creation or collection of images. Data management methods include recording, transcription, transcript checking, and the use of computer-assisted analysis software. Data analysis methods include constant comparison, memo writing, and theory building. The authors argue that the three elements—epistemology, methodology, and method—are fundamental to qualitative research. They are interrelated and influence each other. Epistemology influences methodology and method. Methodology influences the choice of methods and the research process. Method influences the research action and the interpretation of findings. The authors conclude that the three elements are essential for good qualitative research.In this article, the authors clarify a framework for qualitative research, particularly for evaluating its quality, based on epistemology, methodology, and method. They define these elements and discuss their respective contributions and interrelationships. Epistemology determines and is made visible through method, particularly in the participant-researcher relationship, measures of research quality, and form, voice, and representation in analysis and writing. Epistemology guides methodological choices and is axiological. Methodology shapes and is shaped by research objectives, questions, and study design. Methodologies can prescribe choices of method, resonate with particular academic disciplines, and encourage or discourage the use and/or development of theory. Method is constrained by and makes visible methodological and epistemic choices. If we define good quality qualitative research as research that attends to all three elements and demonstrates internal consistency between them, standardized checklists can be transcended and innovation and diversity in qualitative research practice facilitated. Keywords: qualitative research, research design, epistemology, methodology, method, research quality, evidence-based medicine. The authors argue that three fundamental facets of research—epistemology, methodology, and method—should provide the framework for planning, implementing, and evaluating the quality of qualitative research. They clarify each of these research facets, their interrelationships, and their contributions to research practice and appraisal. Epistemology is the study of the nature of knowledge and justification. Methodology is the study of methods, and method is the practical activities of research. Epistemology influences methodology and justifies the knowledge produced. Methodology justifies method, which produces data and analyses. Knowledge is created from data and analyses. Epistemology modifies methodology and justifies the knowledge produced. Methodology influences the choice of methods, the research process, and the interpretation of findings. It also influences the relationship between the researcher and the participant, the way in which the quality of methods is demonstrated, and the form, voice, and representation in the method. Method is the research action. Research methods are the practical activities of research: sampling, data collection, data management, data analysis, and reporting. Qualitative research samples purposively; that is, samples are selected to serve an investigative purpose rather than to be statistically representative of a population. Qualitative data collection methods include observation, interviews, focus groups, collection of extant texts, elicitation of texts, and the creation or collection of images. Data management methods include recording, transcription, transcript checking, and the use of computer-assisted analysis software. Data analysis methods include constant comparison, memo writing, and theory building. The authors argue that the three elements—epistemology, methodology, and method—are fundamental to qualitative research. They are interrelated and influence each other. Epistemology influences methodology and method. Methodology influences the choice of methods and the research process. Method influences the research action and the interpretation of findings. The authors conclude that the three elements are essential for good qualitative research.