This book stands as the full body of scholarly work on western theories of social sciences. The book contents three chapters. The first part gives the overall scenario of theories, the second part provides the pathway to research destination – the research method, and the third and final part is the
Sociological Theory, Methods, and Perspectives
✍ Scribed by Joseph H. Michalski (editor)
- Publisher
- Nova Science Publishers Inc
- Year
- 2018
- Tongue
- English
- Leaves
- 275
- Category
- Library
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
✦ Synopsis
The current book contributes to the complicated discussion of knowledge construction by demonstrating how social scientific theories of diverse subject matter in sociology, criminology, and psychology can be contextualized and operationalized from distinct paradigms. Each chapter introduces one or more theoretical perspectives as the authors examine, explicitly or implicitly, the epistemological foundations for how one might evaluate the main concepts and establish valid truth claims. No one pathway to such truth claims exists, as the diverse perspectives that these authors embrace shall demonstrate. The monograph thus intentionally includes a range of theoretical perspectives and methodologies to highlight the case for what might be designated as scientific equifinality. In effect, the notion suggests that more than one pathway can be selected to help observers move closer and closer to the truth, but each perspective shares in common the assumption that rigorous methodologies are required that transcend mere personal opinion. The edited volume, therefore, promotes the value of intellectual diversity among social scientists, while concurrently building upon a common theme. Despite the limitations of observing the social world from their peculiar social locations, analysts nevertheless can do a more effective job of wrestling with the truth by employing rigorous methodologies connected to their theoretical stances. As argued in the first chapter, it requires the overcoming of several inertial conditions that often inhibit the search for deep knowledge of the subject matter. Subsequent chapters demonstrate that, in a variety of creative ways, researchers can develop and implement innovative approaches to the study of the social world. The book stands resolutely in opposition to the post-truth narrative currently in vogue, where no one can claim to have any more reliable or credible information than anyone else.
✦ Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction:
A Post-Truth Predicament?
Abstract
In Truth…
The Diversity of Theory and Methods
Looking Ahead
Chapter 1
The Indolent Science
Abstract
The “Littlest” Science?
The Absence of Sociological Consilience
Inertial Conditions
Bowling Alone
Inadequate Funding
Lack of International Cooperation
Selection Bias
Random Sampling and Environmental Complexity
Political Support
The Cultural Problem of Indolence
The Path Ahead
References
Chapter 2
When You Are a Racist, Theoretically Speaking: Empirically Demonstrating Blumer’s Group Position Theory
Abstract
Introduction
Previous Research
Case Study: An Experimental Design for an Empirical Test of Group Threat
Study Design
Data
Findings
Limitations
Conclusion
Future Tests
Wider Implications
Appendix
Perpetrator-Focused Written Representation Condition
Perpetrator-Focused Visual Representation Condition
Victim-Focused Written Representation Condition
Victim-Focused Visual Representation Condition
Control Group Condition
References
Chapter 3
What Criminals Do, at Least Theoretically: Agent Based Modeling as a Strategy for Critically Testing Criminological Theories
Abstract
Introduction
Theoretical Approach
Agent Based Models
ABMs and the Emergence of Crime
Theoretical Underpinnings of Agent Based Models of Crime
An Agent Based Model of Incarceration
Further Theoretical Implications
ABM’s Theoretical Flexibility: Testing Specific Hypotheses
Conclusion
Appendix: The Incarceration Model’s Parameters
References
Chapter 4
Committing Sociology in an Age of “Fake News”: Mass Media, Twitter, and the Struggle for Knowledge in the Public Sphere
Abstract
Introduction
Foucault Revisited: On Knowledge and Governmentality
Methods
Towards an Understanding of Anti-Scientific Discourse in the Public Sphere
On “Committing Sociology”
On “Sociological Gobbledygook”
Adoption of Anti-Scientific Sentiment as Resistance
Techniques of Breadth and Analysis: Foucauldian Discourse Analysis and Computational Sociology
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5
A Gendered Analysis of Violent Victimization: Theories, Methods, and Social Contexts
Abstract
Introduction
Theoretical Perspectives on Violent Victimization
Routine Activities Theory and Lifestyle Theory
Gender and Victimization
The “Doing Gender” Approach
Chivalry Approach
“Undoing Gender” and the “Evil Woman”
Converging Lifestyles
Methodology and Data Analysis
Methodological Limitations and Discussion
References
Chapter 6
The Behavioral Shutdown Model: A Consilient Biopsychosocial View of Depression
Abstract
Introduction
Defining Mental Disorders and Depression
Disputes about the Definition of Mental Disorder
Disputes Regarding the Nature of Depression
The Tree of Knowledge System: Solving the Problem of Psychology
The Behavioral Shutdown Model of Depression
A Conceptual Taxonomy of Depressive Conditions
Conclusion
References
Chapter 7
Encounters That Open Up Problems:
A Critical Path for Post-Structuralist Inquiry
Abstract
Introduction
Theoretical Underpinnings
Dwelling between the “Posts”
Unfolding Methodological Practice
What We Do When We “Code”
Repetition as Intensification
Conclusion
References
Chapter 8
Methodology Techniques and Study-Object Formulation
Abstract
Introduction
The Value of Formal Education and Social Sciences’ Problems, Challenges, and Limits
Social Capital’s Conceptual and Methodological Problems in Relation to Social Science Issues
Conclusion
References
About the Editor
Index
Blank Page
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