ABSTRACT
There are many approaches, methods and tools that can be used in undertaking advanced research in practical theology. This chapter argues that different methodological approaches within research presuppose different understandings of evidence, data and interpretation based on different ways of understanding the ‘object’ of research and how it can be known and explored.
Research approaches and methods themselves are value-laden and make huge assumptions about the nature of reality and the ways in which it can be explored and known. It is essential that researchers are critically aware of the frames of reference that inform various approaches and methodologies in order to make them more aware of the assumptions upon which they work.
