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.

Chapter 1: Research Models, Problems and Questions 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 Chapter 2: Dimensions, Quantity & Quality Some Basic Dimensions of Research Survey Research as Mono-Method Theory-Testing Research Qualitative Approaches Action (or Transformative) Research Using IR: Some Practical Suggestions Chapter 3: Case Studies & Mixed Methods Case Study Research Mixed Methods Using Investigative Research: Some Practical Suggestions Chapter 4: The Limitations of Grounded Theory 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 Chapter 5: The Arc of 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 Chapter 6: Theory in Investigative Research 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 Chapter 7: Networks & Domains: A Research Guide 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 Chapter 8: Continuous Quality Control 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.