This paper focuses on methods for investigating norms in translation research. A researcher’s method for investigating norms should correspond to his or her definition of what a norm is. For this reason, the author discusses in the first section translation researchers’ uptake of the concept of norm (before going on to examine methods of investigation). Because of the focus on method, the author considers only theorists who have also discussed methods of investigating norms. Since the concept of norm is borrowed from sociology, the author takes up the idea of various sociologists and anthropologists in the section on method, as well as discussing translation theorists. In the final section, the author formulates a conclusion as to the consistency of translation theorists’ definition of norms with their methods of investigation.