Methodological Poverty and Disciplinary Underdevelopment in IR

Abstract

This issue does not offer in-depth, step-by-step instructions on how to use the  methodologies and methods discussed, nor does it in any way claim to be an all-inclusive  exploration of methodologies in IR. Rather, it offers a look into 10 different methods and  methodologies used for conducting research in IR, from the behind-the-scenes perspectives  of scholars who have actually used them in their own work. In their articles, the authors  in this issue provide background information on the method or methodology in question,  including its history, primary questions it has been used to answer, and any major research  programs and projects associated with it. They then share frank and honest insights into  their own personal histories with the methods and methodologies: how did they decide to  use them, what alternatives did they consider, what kinds of training did they receive and  what kinds of obstacles did they face during that training? Finally, the authors explore their  application of the method or methodology with respect to their current or past research, and  why they found it the most appropriate for the research question(s) being asked.