Tipologies

Tipology, or typology, is the study and classification of types within a domain. It involves organizing observed variation into discrete, comparable categories based on shared characteristics. The term derives from Greek typos 'model, form' and -logia. In practice, tipology is used to build conceptual schemata that facilitate comparison, explanation, and theory testing. It is distinct from taxonomy, which emphasizes hierarchical naming and formal rank; typologies may be flat or hierarchical, and they often aim to capture functional or structural similarities rather than lineage.

In archaeology, artifact typology groups objects by form, decoration, or manufacturing technique to infer chronology and function. In linguistics, phonological and grammatical typology compares features across languages to identify universal constraints and variation patterns. In sociology and criminology, typologies classify behaviors or offenses to study patterns and risks. In urban planning and architecture, typologies describe standardized building forms and layouts for design and policy purposes.

Developing a typology typically begins with data collection, feature selection, and coding of observed attributes, followed by clustering or theoretical grouping based on similarities and expert judgment. The approach is heuristic and theory-driven; transparent criteria and documentation are essential. Typologies are simplifications that can obscure intra-category variation or cultural nuance, so researchers should acknowledge boundaries, update criteria as evidence evolves, and combine typological insights with other methods.