Why Probability Has Not Succeeded in Sociology
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 2321999 |
|---|---|
| Authors | J Erola (0000-0002-8008-7032, University of Turku, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2010 |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 121-138 |
| Publication date | 2010-02-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Sociology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0038-0385 • E-ISSN: 1469-8684 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1177/0038038509351626 |
| OpenAlex | W2000928899 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 8 |
| References cited | 50 |
Arguably, sociologists often apply deterministic explanations, unlike in many other sciences where probabilistic explanations have turned out to be more efficient. The advantages of applying probabilistic explanations more frequently could be: improved possibilities for cross-disciplinary work; the simplification of successful explanations; an easier way to implement uncertainty to models; new ways to utilize the classical theories of sociology; and increased freedom to choose research methods. According to the previously published literature, one of the reasons for not applying probabilistic explanations has been the strong positivist heritage in sociology. The following additional factors are considered: important classics of sociology were written before probability theories matured; and qualitative methods have provided the possibility to respond to the need for empirical research. In this way, sociologists have avoided the extensive work of re-evaluating the existing theories from a probabilistic point of view
Discipline · Epistemology · Mathematical sociology · Point (geometry) · Positivism · Probabilistic logic · Social science · Sociology · Contemporary Sociological Theory and Practice · Intergenerational and Educational Inequality Studies · Mathematics · Philosophy · Social and Cultural Dynamics
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| Unique citing works | 8 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,53 |
| Citation span | 2011 - 2019 (9) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 8 |