Methodenkritik

Methodenkritik (German for "method critique") is a practice in research that evaluates the methods used to obtain, analyze, and interpret knowledge. It asks whether the methods are appropriate for the questions, applied rigorously, and free from biases or limitations. The aim is greater rigor, transparency, and accountability.

It covers the research process from design, sampling, data collection, and measurement to analysis, interpretation, and reporting, including ethical considerations. It assesses validity (support for inferences) and reliability (consistency), as well as bias, measurement error, generalizability, and reproducibility.

Methodenkritik can be normative (what makes a sound methodology) or descriptive (how methods work in practice). It often uses reflexivity about the researcher’s position, criteria or checklists, and debates in the philosophy of science. It may involve triangulation, replication, and sensitivity analyses to test robustness.

In practice, methodenkritik helps researchers choose appropriate methods, compare approaches, and communicate limitations. It is used across the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, education, and policy research, reflecting the idea that the value of findings depends as much on method as on data.