This article examines the distinction between the terms "classification" and "typology" when applying the typological method in empirical sociological research. On the one hand, these terms share a common semantic focus, being used to identify and establish similarities and differences, as well as to dissect and group systems of objects. On the other hand, if they always conveyed the same meaning, one would eventually displace the other. Ongoing attempts to clarify and differentiate their meanings demonstrate the need to capture and reflect in scientific language the various aspects, subtleties, and nuances of applying the typological method in empirical research.

This article identifies and characterises criteria that serve as a potential basis for distinguishing between the terms "typology" and "classification." Each is illustrated with examples from the theoretical and methodological literature on the relevant subject matter.

The conducted analysis allows us to summarise that the distinctive features of typology are: the impossibility of direct mathematical formalisation and the presence of high explanatory potential regarding the properties of the objects under study, not used in the description and construction of the typology. The term "typology" pertains primarily to the theoretical level of cognition and is used in situations where the researcher operates with mental images as objects of grouping. It aims to uncover the latent essences underlying observed phenomena; it forms descriptions (in the form of a set of characteristics) of potentially existing groups of objects; and it is focused on finding essential differences between objects, reflecting their natural differentiation in the surrounding world.

In turn, the term "classification" pertains more to the empirical level of cognition and is used when examining empirical objects amenable to direct observation, providing the ability to compress data and identify its structure as sets grouped by similarity. This term lends itself to mathematical formalisation, allowing for the assignment of mathematical constructs and the selection of appropriate mathematical algorithms. Overall, it is viewed as playing a supporting role in the process of discovering information about types at the empirical stage of research.

typology, classification, type, class, typological method, typological analysis

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