Foundations of multimethod research: synthesizing styles

Abstract

Preface Historical Introduction 1. The Multimethod Approach and Its Promise Four Imperfect But Useful Research Methods A Broader Multimethod View Finding Consensus in a House of Many Mansions A Systematic Approach 2. A Healthy Skepticism About Theory and Method Orienting Theory Toward Research and Vice Versa A Healthy Skepticism An Assessment of Four Research Styles The Multimethod Approach: A Fifth Research Style 3. Formulating Research Problems The Role of Research Problems in the Research Process The Empirical Unfolding of Research Problems The Role of Theory in Problem Formulation 4. Collecting Data With Multiple Methods A Variety of Data-Collecting Methods Validation Versus Exploration Cost/Benefit Analyses of Different Methods of Data Collection 5. Finding the Objects to Study The Dilemma of the Few and the Many Units and Variables Types of Sampling Sampling and Generalization 6. Measuring Concepts and Assessing Measurement Validity Defining Social Scientific Measurement Judging Measurement's Success From Facts Rather Than Fiction Designing Validation Studies What to Do if Measurement Fails (and How to Guard Against Failure) 7. Explaining Social Phenomena Causally Causation and Causal Explanation Modes of Causal Analysis Assessing the Validity of Causal Research Multitest Validity 8. A Postscript on Postmodernism The Postmodern Critique Some Research Examples The Technology of Method 9. Making Research Public: The Social Context of Multimethod Research Internal Politics External Politics Multimethod Research in Relation to Society References Index About the Authors