Summary
Contents
Subject index
Stressing the link between research and theory-building, this concise book shows students how new knowledge is discovered through the process of research. The author presents a model that ties together research processes across the various traditions and shows how different types of research interrelate. The book is sophisticated in its presentation, but provides explanation of higher-level concepts in an accessible and engaging manner. Throughout the book, the author treats research methodologies as universal and logically appropriate ways of answering a wide range of interesting questions, rather than just a set of tools to be applied. The book is an excellent guide for students who will be consumers of research and who need to understand how theory and research interrelate.
Applying Theory and Evaluating the “Real World”
Applying Theory and Evaluating the “Real World”
Overview
This chapter discusses several aspects of theoretical application and how it dovetails with both qualitative and quantitative research. It discusses the nature of case study research in general and how the study of particular events can serve different purposes depending on the goal of the research. It argues that understanding the relation between theory and case is essential in interpreting or conducting research. The chapter also explores how theories can help “predict the future” by framing assumptions and forming the basis of models and simulations designed to help understand future events.
The chapter concludes with a discussion of more “informal” trial-and-error–type approaches to applying and revising theory. It looks at how businesses and institutions evolve knowledge through incremental ...
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