ABSTRACT
In practical theology, research methods in the empirical parts of research projects are comparable to the same research methods applied in other empirical academic disciplines. But how do you adequately choose so-called “non-theological” tools and methods in a study that is a practical theological research contribution? How to set up an adequate research design? A first step in this regard is to detect or choose a particular research paradigm. The distinction between quantitative and qualitative research paradigms is discussed. Next, the construction of two so-called bridges is discussed: a bridge between the core research question and the process of data gathering, and a bridge between the core research question and the process of data analysis. Among other topics, the role of existing theory and concepts in data gathering and data analysis strategies is discussed. The chapter ends by discussing three types of evaluative questions in setting up a research design: a reflection on the quality of the data, on ethical aspects, and on the positionality of the researcher.
