I. Introduction Ⅱ. Traditional and innovative tendencies in social research Ⅲ. Stimulants to Methodological Innovation in Social Research 1. Social context ― social change and reflexivity 2. Research-problem-led innovation 3. Technological advancements and innovation 4. Innovation and the research environment Ⅳ. Qualitative Innovation: Infrastructure Building in the UK 1. The Research Methods Programme 2002 ― 2005 REFERENCES