Meetodini

Meetodini is a term used primarily in Estonian-language scholarly writing to denote a structured, meta-methodological framework. The form stems from meetod meaning "method" with a suffix that signals a systematic field of inquiry about methods rather than a single technique. In practice, meetodini is described as a metatheoretical lens for examining how methods are chosen, combined, and assessed across different disciplines.

Definition and scope: It treats methodology as an object of study itself—what counts as a valid method, how methods justify their use, how they interact, and how reporting should be conducted to ensure reproducibility. A meetodini-oriented approach typically outlines stages such as problem framing, method selection, integration or triangulation, validation, and documentation.

Principles: Key principles include reflexivity about methodological choices, transparency in reporting, compatibility and coherence across methods, adaptability to context, and an emphasis on replicability and auditability.

Applications: Meetodini is used in research design, program evaluation, social sciences, and education to structure mixed-method or cross-method inquiries. It complements traditional methodology by foregrounding the decision logic behind method choices rather than only presenting results.

Limitations and reception: The concept is not widely standardized in non-Estonian sources, and definitions can vary. Critics argue that without clear, shared criteria, meetodini risks becoming an umbrella term lacking practical specificity.

See also: methodology, research design, mixed methods, metatheory, qualitative research, quantitative research.