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Chapter 1 introduces the topic of scientific method by providing some background material to better appreciate the more focused discussion of method in the ensuing chapters. It begins by briefly considering the idea of scientific method and different criticisms that have been leveled against it. Next, four prominent theories of scientific method are outlined and provisionally assessed. The chapter then moves to a consideration of the nature of scientific methodology before providing a selective overview of the key elements of the philosophy of scientific realism. Finally, a brief overview of ATOM is presented in order to provide a conceptual framework for locating and better understanding the various methods and strategies examined in the book.

Reveals the beginnings of several important projects during Descartes's time in the army of Maximilian I, stationed at Ulm. These include the composition of the first part of the Regulae ad directionem ingenii, a general theory of method, which provoked a series of dreams, a doctrine of analysis, a work on solid geometry and figurate numbers and, possibly, the discovery of the sine law of refraction. Discusses the relationship between deduction and intuition, Descartes's doctrine of cognition and that of the Stoics, and Descartes's doctrine of clarity and distinctness in comparison with Aristotle's and Quintillian's doctrine of vividness and particularity.

This chapter recommends the use of inference to the best explanation for evaluating the worth of theories in psychology. It is suggested that it is a more appropriate account of theory appraisal than both the popular hypothetico-deductive method and the widely heralded Bayesian approach. A number of different explications of inference to the best explanation are discussed. Particular attention is given to the theory of explanatory coherence, which is the most detailed extant explication of inference to the best explanation.

Chapter 4—GTM Overview—The key features of GTM, using examples drawn from recent work by PhD students illustrating their implementation and view of the GTM research process, and the ways in which the method drives forward the process of abstraction towards key concepts or categories. The final section discusses the distinction between Accidents and Essences of the method—specifically aiming to clarify and dispel controversial and critical aspects such as the use of existing literature, the role of induction, claims regarding preconceptions, and the positivist or objectivist tone of some forms of GTM. Essential aspects such as fit,grab, work, and modifiability are discussed.