Selection of Methods for Legal Research. 100 Possible Methods

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to open up new perspectives about the wide range of research methods that can be use for academic purposes, avoiding reductionism when selecting a method. The work is based on a theoretical perspective that first describes the essence of the method and its role in science; then checks systematically the multiplicity of methods by grouping them under five broad criteria; and finally deduces four general proposals on methodology.

The first chapter introduces the meaning of the method, its role in science and the need for its use. The second chapter begins by outlining five synthetic classifying criteria, parallel to the five elements of science, that later will be used to group the different methods. Over a hundred different methods are classified. In chapter three the criticism of the use of methods is made. Considering the issues discussed in the three preceding chapters, chapter four presents four methodological recommendations: do not stick to one research method, combine several methods, choose the most appropriate to the subject of study, and always take at least a research method that correlates theory with reality. The main conclusion is clear: using just one method for academic purposes denotes great intellectual poverty.