Nirved Kumar PhD IIMA - Mapping Methodology

Mapping: A method for studying understudied and under-theorised phenomena

Research in understudied and under-theorised phenomena (Figure 1), like uncovering how fellowship programmes cultivate young social change leaders in my thesis, demands methods beyond traditional theory or context-driven approaches. Phenomenon-driven studies often lack established literature, requiring scholars to define new constructs and populations. Mapping, a method I have explored and expanded in my research, offers a structured, multidisciplinary strategy for addressing this gap.

The mapping process (Figure 2) for under-studied and under-theorised phenomena begins with scoping - synthesising existing literature and secondary sources - and conducting iterative reflexive and narrative analyses drawn from primary fieldwork (case studies, ethnography, interviews) to form an initial understanding. A deeper discourse analysis then critically situates the phenomenon, culminating in a clear definition. Finally, quantitative mapping - via survey design and large-scale analysis - can expand and validate the findings.

I use all these mapping methods in my thesis, enabling me to iteratively progress from early scoping to rigorous qualitative definition and scalable quantitative exploration, providing a comprehensive pathway for building new fields of inquiry.

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