Research Methods for Theory Building in Applied Disciplines: A Comparative Analysis

The problem and the solution. This volume presents an anthology of methods for theory building in applied disciplines. Each chapter has described the assumptions and methods of distinct approaches for developing theory. This chapter takes a collective view of research methods for theory building. Although the theorist can choose from a menu of the methods that have been discussed, certain characteristics of the methods themselves can lead to more productive theorizing depending on the particular research purpose of the theorist. This chapter presents a comparative analysis of research methods for theory building that leads to deeper understanding of the methods and their unique contributions to theoretical knowledge.