Reading 900 documents before choosing a theory
Evidence-first research design honestly disclosed
Traditional social science often begins with a theoretical framework and searches for data that fits the theory. In complex policy environments, this approach risks missing the actual mechanics of institutional failure.
Our research adopts an evidence-first approach: compiling and coding several hundred primary records to map empirical patterns before selecting load-bearing theoretical structures. This methodological note discusses the challenges and rigour of mapping qualitative evidence prior to theoretical commitment.