This collective monograph presents the results of a multifaceted analysis of the theory and practice of empirical social and sociological research in Bulgaria and abroad in recent years. It explores new trends and emerging shifts from large-scale studies toward smaller-scale ones, such as the use of focus groups, typological groups, and individual cases. The methodological and methodological possibilities of a number of “qualitative” methods for collecting primary information are clarified, such as in-depth interviews, free conversation, focus group interviews, group discussion, as well as the methods of so-called “hot sociology”: "active" research, ethnomethodology, and the biographical method. Ideas are proposed for the use of non-statistical methods and approaches in the analysis of data from empirical research. The nature and epistemological potential of small samples are clarified. The numerous methodological approaches are of interest not only to methodologists and researchers but also to a wide range of readers—sociologists, students, instructors, and anyone interested in the theory, methodology, methodology, and organization of empirical research in society.