Learning From Strangers is the definitive work on qualitative research interviewing. It draws on Robert Weiss's thirty years of experience in interviewing and teaching others how to do it. The most effective interviews, says Weiss, rely on creating cooperation -- an open and trusting alliance between interviewer and respondent, dedicated to specific and honest accounts of both internal and external events. Against the eclectic background of his work in national sample surveys, studies based on semi-structured interviewing, and participant observation, Weiss walks the reader through the method of qualitative interview studies: sample selection, development of an interview guide, the conduct of the interview, analysis, and preparation of the data. Weiss gives examples of successful and less successful interviews and offers specific techniques and guidelines for the practitioner.

《参与观察法》在西方社会科学界长销不衰，已逐步成为一部得到广泛认可的经典工具书，也是我国内地在参与观察法方面的第一本译著。
《参与观察法》作者长期使用参与观察方法开展研究。基于其丰富的研究经验，他在书中既简要地讨论了参与观察法的方法论基础，以及适合的领域与局限；又翔实地讲解了这种方法实际操作的基本程序与具体技术，并展示了许多参与观察法研究的成果，提供了大量实用、有趣、新鲜、富于启发的信息。
《参与观察法》适合于管理学、社会学、人类学、教育学等社会及行为科学领域的研究人员和研究生阅读。