ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a number of approaches suitable for framing arguments about the way things may work together in a social setting and what the form of their relationship might be. Relational methodologies are intended to provide evidence of the relationship among different aspects or factors affecting the research object. Entering into research with a theoretical orientation in mind—either to apply existing theory or to build theory—usually suggests a relational approach. The work of theory is to identify and explain relationships, so this makes sense. If thematic analysis is being used as a methodology in its own right, it is necessary to be absolutely clear and transparent about the predispositions of the researcher and the process used to identify themes. Thematic analysis can involve all sorts of data and, although there is a tendency to privilege text in many cases, artwork and other representations of knowledge can be very valuable.
