ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides for those who want to apply constructivist insights but seek guidance on the 'how', 'what', and 'where' questions of empirical research. It explores concepts and tools that help researchers to examine, interpret, and analyze both continuity and change. The book shows the glean strategies for designing research projects rather than to advocate any single model or set of methods. It includes an appendix of annotated Suggested Readings for those who wish to explore constructivism's interdisciplinary heritage. The book summarizes themes in constructivist research and clarifies terminology. It describes various approaches, focusing on the strengths of each and some trade-offs between them, along with a few caveats about potential difficulties in their application. The book also explains key tasks for research design, such as distinguishing between process and outcome, combining levels of analysis, selecting comparisons, and differentiating constitutive from instrumental dynamics.
