Theory is there to help

Research builds on prior knowledge. When you travel to the mountains, you need to build your excursion on maps, maybe field guides, the weather report, and review instructions on your climbing gear. Don’t set off without building on those instructions that will make your life easier and safer.

Consequently, when planning your journey, carefully consider which insights to pack. Bring what will help you and leave behind unnecessary baggage. Of course, you will review prior findings in your subject area and compare how others have used the same methodology in comparable settings. Ideally, you take a closer look at more fundamental research, and maybe even some edge cases to familiarize yourself with what the fringes of your subject look like.

Research as a journey means to pack appropriately. For yourself and for your later reader: for efficient reading, do not integrate superfluous literature just to suggest that you’ve truly read everything that was to be read.

(This is a preview section. The full chapter on this topic continues with the sections “Rough coordinates”, “Train of thought”, “In essence”, “To reflect”, “Two travellers’ tales”, “Devil’s advocate”, and “How to tackle”.)