Abstract
On the basis of the fundamental terms and concepts of the general philosophy of science, research strategies and methods of Quantitative Linguistics are described, as conducted in Europe since George Kingsley Zipf's seminal work. These general principles are in line with those practised in the natural sciences. Philosophical considerations as well as some decades of experience show that only specific methodological differences between studies on natural phenomena and on cultural ones such as language can be found. European approaches include empirical (inductive) and theoretical (deductive) strategies with a preference on the latter ones. The presentation starts with a description and explication of some terms and concepts which are fundamental for any kind of research, such as (scientific) problem, hypothesis, law, boundary condition, theory, and explanation – terms, which are often confused in linguistics. Examples are given of how these terms should be applied in linguistic work if the principles of linguistic research as practised in Europe are followed. In particular, the deductive strategy to find new laws is exemplified. The talk will also shed some light on the importance of laws not only for theoretical progress but also for practical purposes. Finally, a recent approaches is described which attempts to give a theoretical modelling background from which new law hypotheses can be derived and known ones can be systemised.
https://ror.org/02778hg05 
