Book excerpt: Community-based research (CBR) is the most commonly used method for serving community needs and effecting change through authentic, ethical, and meaningful social research. In this brief introduction to CBR, the real-world approach of noted experts Vera Caine and Judy Mill helps novice researchers understand the promise and perils of engaging in this research tradition. This book • outlines the basic steps and issues in the CBR process—from collaboratively designing and conducting the research with community members to building community capacity; • covers how to negotiate complicated questions of researcher control and ethics; • includes a chapter written by community partners, among the examples from numerous projects from around the world.