ABSTRACT
In Chapters 2 and 3 we highlighted conceptualization as being absolutely crucial in social science research. In Chapter 4 we suggested that generalizations, inferences and explanations build on different ways of employing theories in research practice. Abduction, just to mention one example, could imply recontextualizing empirical phenomena within the framework of alternative theories. It is now time to more explicitly examine the role of conceptualization and theory in social science methodology.
