¹Ecole des Mines de Paris, Centre de Sociologie de l'Innovation, Paris, France

Correspondence: M Callon, Ecole des Mines de Paris, Centre de Sociologie de l'Innovation, 60 Bvd Saint-Michel, Paris 75006, France. Tel: +33 1 40519197; Fax: +33 1 43545628; E-mail: michel.callon@ensmp.fr

Abstract

The creation of categories based on an analysis of large numbers of heterogeneous entities does not preclude the establishment of productive interactions with the entities studied. The nature of these interactions and the types of objectification they allow depend on the characteristics of the tools used. This article aims at characterizing the different methods in terms of the competencies they recognize in actors. Three types of methods are described: multidimensional analysis, social network analysis, and what is called 'composition of egocentric heterogeneous networks'. The paper suggests that from one method to the next, the actors' competencies are enhanced. Consequently, the sociologist's ability to perceive the emergence of new categories increases; in endowing human and non-human actors with larger and richer competencies, he upgrades his own competencies as an analyst. In addition, productive interactions between him and the actors he studies are made easier.