Accepted research methods might be fit for purpose, but do not lend them to the study of the short-lived, transitory, fleeting, evanescent, transient, momentary, brief, indefinite and irregular. The methodological rule-following is counter-intuitive. The world we live in is vague, diffuse, unspecific, slippery, emotional, ephemeral, elusive and indistinct—it changes like a kaleidoscope or does not have much of a pattern at all. Occasionally and in specific locations/situations it is feasible to map or make a chart of what is occurring—and occasionally the charting contributes to momentary stability. However, we need to "find ways of knowing the indistinct and the slippery without trying to grasp and hold them tight" (p. 3).
Law, John. 2004. After method—mess in social science research. London: Routledge.
Comments