基本説明
Explores the relationship between the philosophical principles of the social sciences and the methods at our disposal to study the social world.
Full Description
This book provides a comprehensive, accessible guide to social science methodology. In so doing, it establishes methodology as distinct from both methods and philosophy.
Most existing textbooks deal with methods, or sound ways of collecting and analysing data to generate findings. In contrast, this innovative book shows how an understanding of methodology allows us to design research so that findings can be used to answer interesting research questions and to build and test theories.
Most important things in social research (e.g., beliefs, institutions, interests, practices and social classes) cannot be observed directly. This book explains how empirical research can nevertheless be designed to make sound inferences about their nature, effects and significance.
The authors examine what counts as good description, explanation and interpretation, and how they can be achieved by striking intelligent trade-offs between competing design virtues.
Coverage includes:
• why methodology matters;
• what philosophical arguments show us about inference;
• competing virtues of good research design;
• purposes of theory, models and frameworks;
• forming researchable concepts and typologies;
• explaining and interpreting: inferring causation, meaning and significance; and
• combining explanation and interpretation.
The book is essential reading for new researchers faced with the practical challenge of designing research. Extensive examples and exercises are provided, based on the authors' long experience of teaching methodology to multi-disciplinary groups.
Perri 6 is Professor of Social Policy in the Graduate School in the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at Nottingham Trent University.
Chris Bellamy is Emeritus Professor of Public Administration in the Graduate School, Nottingham Trent University.
Contents
PART ONE: FOUNDATIONS: WHAT METHODOLOGY IS AND DOES
Inference and Warrant in Designing Research
Methodology and Social Science Knowledge
Testing, Confirming and Falsifying
Perspectives on Findings from Social Research
PART TWO: DESIGNS: THE MAIN TYPES OF RESEARCH DESIGN
Types of Research Design
Variable-Oriented Research Designs
Case-Based Research Designs
Comparative and Case-Oriented Research Designs
Concept Formation
PART THREE: ACHIEVEMENTS: WHAT RESEARCH MAKES INFERENCES TO
Why Ideas about Explanation Matter for Methodology
Basic Forms of Explanation
Mechanisms, Contexts and Trajectories
Warranting Explanations
Between-Case and within-Case Strategies
Interpretation
Warranting Interpretations
PART FOUR: SYNTHESIS: COMBINATIONS AND TRADE-OFFS
Combining Research Designs
Trade-offs in Research Design
