Methods

Bibliographic Data

ID22367258
AuthorsJ I Bakker (corresponding author), J I Hans Bakker
Year2007
Publication date2007-02-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeOTHER
VenueThe Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology (JOURNAL)
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/9781405165518.wbeosm087
OpenAlexW4213016568
ISBN9781405165518
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited36

In sociology the term methods can encompass different aspects of a methodical approach to empirical research. We can distinguish between “methodology” as the theoretical understanding of basic principles, and “method” as research techniques (Abbot 2001a). The topics discussed under methods often include both. A classical experimental design (CED), with random assignment to an experimental group and a control group, is a basic aspect of methodology, while the importance of the specific statistical techniques that attempt to emulate aspects of a CED (without actually carrying out an experiment) is a topic in statistical methods. In most sociological research there is a multivariant approach. It would be very difficult to actually carry out an experiment on such multivariable models, hence we rely on “path analysis” (Land 1969) to simulate the logic of CED. The term methods is often used to represent specific techniques of research, both quantitative and qualitative, with the underlying logic of utilizing such techniques often left implicit in “normal science” (Kuhn 1970) approaches. But different individuals may be more knowledgeable about one or the other. Thus, for example, all of the inferential statistics, parametric and non‐parametric, may be studied as aspects of quantitative methods. Similarly, all aspects of ethnographic fieldwork, open‐ended interviewing, and observation may be considered in the context of qualitative methods. We do not consider a person who has specialized in certain techniques a “methodist.” We use the term methodologist to cover expertise in either techniques of research (e.g., Manton et al. 1994) or the underlying logic or methodology (e.g., Popper 1969)

Data science · Epistemology · Management science · Parametric statistics · Statistics · Computer Science · Engineering · Mathematics · Sociology and Education Studies

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