Investigative Research
Theory and Practice
- Derek Layder - University of Leicester, UK
With its unique modelling and mapping of social processes, Investigative Research offers an alternative approach to social research. This book guides you through the theoretical grounding and rules you need to effectively combine the evidence-based explanations of social behaviour and distinctive strategies of data collection associated with investigative research.
It helps you answer key investigative questions like:
- How are models and maps of social reality crucial to the formulation of research problems and questions?
- What are the main phases, challenges, and theories of investigative research?
- How does investigative research compare with other research approaches, like surveys, case studies, grounded theory, and mixed methods?
- How can you control the quality and validity of your investigative research?
With its clear focus on investigative research exploration, description, and explanation, this book gives you the solid building blocks needed to manage and integrate the theoretical and practical issues in your work.
The Importance of Models and Maps |
Closing Gaps in Knowledge |
Influential Models of Social Reality |
Should Models be Eliminative or Integrative? |
Entangled Domains and Research |
Restoring Lost Domains: Investigative Research Problems & Questions |
Research Problems, Topics & Questions |
Adaptive Method &Theory |
Having a Solid Back-Story: Top Soil or Taproots? |
Summary of Key Features of Investigative Research |
Some Basic Dimensions of Research |
Survey Research as Mono-Method |
Theory-Testing Research |
Qualitative Approaches |
Action (or Transformative) Research |
Using IR: Some Practical Suggestions |
Case Study Research |
Mixed Methods |
Using Investigative Research: Some Practical Suggestions |
Essential Differences between Investigative Research & Grounded Theory |
Different Unfolding Strategies |
Data, Concepts & Theoretical Discovery |
Conceptual Generation & Theoretical Discovery |
The Cul-de-sac of Not-Knowing |
Discovery or Innovation? |
Ground Theory Mark 2: One Step Forward & Three Back? |
Constructionist Grounded Theory: An Even More Limited Version? |
Practical Limitations of Constructionist Grounded Theory |
Coding, Concept-Formation & Sampling in Investigative Research |
The Research Arc: Phases & Cycles |
Models of the Research Process |
An Overview of the Investigative Research Model |
Cycle-Phase Dynamics |
Flexibly Structured Adaptation |
Problem Formulation & Orienting Scaffold |
A Multi-Strategy, Multi-Method Approach |
Phases of Research: An Integrative Framework |
Complementary Aspects of Reality |
Blending Life-world & System Phenomena |
Research Design & Data Types |
Data Analysis as Nascent Explanation |
Constant Reformulation: A Concluding Comment |
Variable Theory & Theory-Testing |
Applied General Theory |
Empirical Theory: Substantive & Formal |
Orienting Concepts (Single or Multiple) |
Emergent Concepts |
The Deployment of Theory in Overall Research Strategy |
Developing Theory in Investigative Research: An Overview |
Modifying and Creating Theory and Concepts |
Generic Research Outcomes |
Cumulative Knowledge & Theory-Development |
An Appropriate Model of Social Reality |
Activities and Settings: A Central Pairing |
Social Behaviour & Social Reality |
Distinguishing Settings from Locations/Locales |
Primary & Secondary Settings: Transition Zones |
Networks & Social Domains |
Organized Settings & Networks |
Informal Settings & Networks |
Research Questions for Networks and Domains |
Matching Concepts with Empirical Indicators |
Selecting Data Threads within Domains |
Identifying Settings from Data |
Variations in Organized Settings |
Work Organizations as Social settings |
Smaller ‘Organizations’ & Informal Settings |
Selective Focusing |
Examples of Selective Focusing |
Causal Influence & Causal Explanation |
One-Dimensional Causality: The Case of Gender & Intimacy |
Intimacy & Situated Activity |
Social Settings, Gender & Intimacy |
Researching Causality |
Research, Causality & Theory Building |
Quality Control: The Central Importance of Validity |
The Research Process: A Two-Tiered Model |
The Research Matrix (or Grid) |
The Preparatory Phase |
The Data Gathering Phase |
The Analytic /Explanatory Phase |
Conclusion |
Derek Layder's advocacy of an holistic, context relevant approach to social research which is multifaceted, brings together many traditions of field-based studies in a coherent and imaginative way. His Investigative Research approach offers a framework for real-world explorations that is of value to many social scientists.
Layder convincingly explains that becoming aware of how underlying maps of social reality influence design, analysis and findings is a perquisite for thoroughly reflective research. Moreover, he devises clear strategies for practicing "investigative research” that continuously integrate both data and theory in multidimensional ways. A true advancing of methodological reflection within social science.
Combining adaptive analysis with domain theory, Layder has developed an elaborate approach to investigating today’s social dynamics and complexity. This book provides a precise and reliable compass to doing research that both works and matters.
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Available formats
ISBN: 9781446287521 | Hardcover | Suggested Retail Price: $112.00 | Bookstore Price: $89.60 |
ISBN: 9781526422378 | Electronic Version | Suggested Retail Price: $30.00 | Bookstore Price: $24.00 |
ISBN: 9781446287538 | Paperback | Suggested Retail Price: $38.00 | Bookstore Price: $30.40 |
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