Theory and methods in sociology : an introduction to sociological thinking and practice / John Hughes and Wes Sharrock.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hughes, J. A., 1941-2015.

Contributor:

Sharrock, W. W. (Wes W.)

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Sociology--Philosophy.

Sociology.

Sociology--Methodology.

Physical Description:

xii, 364 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Basingstoke : Palgrave Macmillan, 2007.

Summary:

How is the combination of sociological theory and research to be achieved? What problems obstruct their integration and how are these to be resolved? Sociology has long been preoccupied with the relationship between theory and method, and it is widely accepted that these require, but lack, integration. This text traces the history of this problem and offers a much-needed introduction to the challenge of relating theory to research in sociology.

Theory and Methods in Sociology examines the varied ways in which sociologist have attempted to bridge the divide between methods and theory. In particular, the book: identifies and describes the leading sociological methods, considers how theory can be constructed or reconstructed, explains the logic underlying sociologists' strategies, traces how different theories and method relate to one another. This student-friendly text is essential reading for all students of sociology looking to relate theory and methodology more closely.

Contents:

Part I The Positivist Project 25

2 The Positivist Project: Introduction 27

3 Building a Science of Sociology 34

4 Variable Analysis and Measurement 62

5 Interviews and Questionnaires 93

6 The Social Survey and Multivariate Analysis 119

7 The Demise of Positivism? 158

Part II The Qualitative Turn 185

8 The Contest over Realism: Introduction 187

9 The Method of Fieldwork 204

10 Explorations in the Actor's Point of View 235

11 Data Collection versus Analysis 257

Part III Critical Questions 277

12 The Refurbishing of Critical Sociology 279

13 Post-modernism, Post-structuralism 303

14 Discourses and Research 325.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780333772867

0333772865

0333772857

9780333772850

OCLC:

124957035