Includes bibliographical references and index

"This book provides a new and innovative introduction to the methodology of social research. The aim of the author is to provide a bridge between recent theoretical debates in the social sciences and methodological issues. It is not just a 'how to' book for social researchers, or simply a description of research techniques. Rather, the work seeks to develop new strategies of research by marrying new perspectives in social analysis to problems of concrete research. The result is a text which is accessible yet sophisticated.

Apart from developing an original argument about research, the book is also designed as a resource text for students and more experienced researchers interested in developing theory from their own field research. It contains overviews of grounded theory and middle-range theory; a research resource map; strategies for developing theory; and guidelines and checklists for field research at the end of chapters.

The book will be of interest to students and professionals in sociology, political science and social psychology." (Book Cover)

TABLE OF CONTENTS :

List of Figures

Preface

1 Research Strategy and Theory Generation

2 Middle-Range Theory and Research

3 Grounded Theory and Field Research

4 Grounded Theory on a Broader Canvas

5 A Resource Map for Research
1 The self and situated activity
2 Situated activity
3 Social setting
4 The macro context
5 The historical dimension

6 Data and Method in Multistrategy Research

7 Research Strategy and Theory Building

8 Investigating Power, Commitment and Constraint

9 The Historical Dimension

10 New Strategies: Some Reflections and a Practical Guide

References

Index