ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the first step in designing a research study in practical theology: Why? Showing the reason for the research project. The chapter sheds light on the issue of the “why” by addressing the following questions: Why start a research project at all? What is the reasoning behind the idea of a research project? What type of reasoning goes on? Which normativity is implied in the decision to investigate the topic of interest? How is power distributed in a research project and what power relations occur? This chapter helps to explore the reason for a research project, to reflect on one's own normativity that influences how the topic is approached, and to reflect on power relations, both in the research itself as well as in the student–supervisor relationship.
