Useful tools for diagnosis, monitoring and evaluating in gender and diversity research

Abstract

Methodological rules for research constitute a set called a “methodology”. Each field or area of science has its specific methodology. Thus, one can speak of methodologies in the humanities, social sciences, science and technology or natural sciences. One can also distinguish methodologies of particular disciplines, e.g. law, psychology, economy, management and sociology. One can speak of methodology in two senses: theoretical or practical. The first one means a discussion of the findings of scientific research and, as such, their philosophical and logical foundations. In contrast, the second one represents the rules of the research process, logic and principles of research activities performed by researchers who want to identify a specific part of reality. This handbook is practical, as it is a set of guidelines on how to carry out research activities to establish the state of play on gender equality in a given social reality, i.e. environment, organisation or institution. These indications can also be used to show progress made as a result of actions taken or to update needs, as well as in the evaluation process of an equality plan or programme adopted. [excerpt]