ABSTRACT
The study of the European Union’s (EU) relationship with IOs has recently been gaining increased attention. This chapter reflects on some challenges that researchers have to tackle when addressing questions concerning causes, forms and effects of the EU’s long-term participation with(in) IOs. Its aim is to highlight and explicate some of the research steps that are fundamental to the study of the questions raised in this edited volume. In so doing, it intends to sensitise readers to make reasoned decisions in the process of their own research on the EU’s long-term participation with(in) IOs. Following specification of the participation concept, this chapter refers to issues related to outcome-centric research designs (linked to the question of why and of how the EU is engaged), and issues related to factor-centric research designs (linked to the question of the effects of long-term participation). The chapter finishes with suggestions on the use of quantitative methods as a way to complement qualitative research.
