Tool Criticism: From Digital Methods to Digital Methodology

Abstract

While the use of tools is not new for the sciences, the, traditionally, qualitative research methods driven humanities were using tools scarcely. The increasing use of computer-aided methods within the humanities has been summarized as 'computational turn', digital humanities, eResearch and/or eHumanities. In the Humanities, scholars are in the unique position to actively question the relatively new role and influence of tools on research. Such reflection, however, need not be limited to the Humanities, but holds value for both scholars and scientists. Digital tools and data have changed the production of knowledge. Although there has been attention to biases in digital tools, discussions have been scattered not only across monographs, articles and book chapters lacking a proper label, but also tend to remain in their respective academic bubbles. Different methods have emerged, each embedded in their own fields. In this paper we reflect on the novel practices of digital methods and data analysis in the humanities and discuss the epistemic impact of knowledge technology, more generally. Consequently, this paper argues for the development of a rigorous inquiry into the tools used for research to be an essential element of the overall research process. We dub this enquiry 'tool criticism'. Tool criticism paves the way to move from digital methods to 'digital methodology'.