El proceso de investigación como sistema de problemas: una reconstrucción de su lógica y estructura basada en siete preguntas

A model of analysis about the research process as a whole is proposed based on seven basic questions: what, who or what things, where, when, how, for what purpose and why to investigate. The aim is to reconstruct the logic commanding the definition of a phenomenon individuated conceptually, spatiotemporally as an object of knowledge, and also the modes, objectives and purposes of an inquiry. These seven questions constitute a system of basic problems that, according to the hypothesis of a unified method, account for any research process. The said hypothesis is grounded on a dialectical perspective which highlights some of the fundamental tensions running through the process: available and attainable knowledge, theoretical, abstract and general contents as well as empirical, concrete and singular contents; scientific concepts and common sense. Moreoever, a number of practical consequences are highlighted which can contribute to the teaching of methodology, in addition to the planning and formulation of a research project. This is exemplified by an interdisciplinary research project in the Social Sciences of Labour. Se propone un modelo de análisis del proceso de investigación basado en siete preguntas básicas: qué, en quiénes o en qué cosas, dónde, cuándo, cómo, para qué y por qué investigar. El propósito es reconstruir la lógica que rige la definición de un fenómeno delimitado conceptual y espacio-temporalmente como un objeto, y también de los modos, objetivos y propósitos de la investigación. Estas siete preguntas constituyen un sistema de problemas básicos que, según la hipótesis de la unidad del método, dan cuenta de la estructura de todo proceso de investigación. Se sostiene esa hipótesis desde una perspectiva dialéctica, destacando algunas de las tensiones fundamentales que atraviesan el proceso entre: conocimiento disponible y conocimiento a obtener; contenidos teóricos, abstractos, generales y contenidos empíricos, concretos, singulares; conceptos científicos y nociones de sentido común. Además, se destacan algunas derivaciones prácticas que pueden aportar a la enseñanza de la metodología, así como a la planificación y formulación de un proyecto, ejemplificado con un proyecto en el campo interdisciplinario de las Ciencias Sociales del Trabajo.A model of analysis about the research process as a whole is proposed based on seven basic questions: what, who or what things, where, when, how, for what purpose and why to investigate. The aim is to reconstruct the logic commanding the definition of a phenomenon individuated conceptually, spatiotemporally as an object of knowledge, and also the modes, objectives and purposes of an inquiry. These seven questions constitute a system of basic problems that, according to the hypothesis of a unified method, account for any research process. The said hypothesis is grounded on a dialectical perspective which highlights some of the fundamental tensions running through the process: available and attainable knowledge, theoretical, abstract and general contents as well as empirical, concrete and singular contents; scientific concepts and common sense. Moreoever, a number of practical consequences are highlighted which can contribute to the teaching of methodology, in addition to the planning and formulation of a research project. This is exemplified by an interdisciplinary research project in the Social Sciences of Labour