Individual Methodological Orientations – Theoretical Background and a Model of the Phenomenon

The aim of the article is to present the issues of individual methodological orientations as well as to propose a model that can be the basis for making an empirical characterization of the phenomenon. Therefore, the theoretical background showing the semantic positioning of the concept in the network of synonymous concepts was drawn. Then, the theoretical construct and a model based on the category of opposition in the methodological discourse were derived based on the theory of Kazimierz Obuchowski’s orientation codes and James J. Gibson’s affordance concept. In the presentation of the model, an integrated system of three planes was used. Each of them serves to reflect the characteristics of the elements of cognition which takes place in the course of the undertaken research practice. The assumption of continuity of features allows for modelling individual methodological orientations in a transversal manner with respect to the divisions and classifications in the social sciences methodology. This creates the possibility of building individual characteristics, e.g. for the purpose of matching methodological education.