Method Map

Scientific research always involves a method. Choosing a method and following its rules are essential parts of the research process. The choice of research method also affects other areas of the research process. Thus, a method can be understood in the research process as a single complete sub-process, which includes choosing and following a particular research strategy, data collection method and data analysis method.

Different parts of the Method Map are closely linked to one another. Methods are also closely linked to research aims as the following process shows: aims à research strategy options à data collection method options  à data analysis method options.

All the choices regarding the methodological process obey broader points of view of scientific thinking. The philosophy of science forms the background to the choices of methods. An essential part of methodological and scientific thinking is to understand the position of the research in the tradition of the philosophy of science.

In the interactive graphic below, the areas of research methods are shown as coloured circles. The interactive graphic shows the relationships between the areas of research.  The circles contain links, through which you can examine in more detail the contents of each aspect of the research process. The circle of Aims shows how the areas of research are linked together in various types of research aims. Other circles illustrate only the contents of a certain area of research.