Approaches and Methodologies in the Social Sciences: A Pluralist Perspective
Cambridge University Press, 8/28/2008
EAN 9780521709668, ISBN10: 0521709660
Paperback, 382 pages, 24.4 x 17 x 2.2 cm
Language: English
A revolutionary textbook introducing masters and doctoral students to the major research approaches and methodologies in the social sciences. Written by an outstanding set of scholars, and derived from successful course teaching, this volume will empower students to choose their own approach to research, to justify this approach, and to situate it within the discipline. It addresses questions of ontology, epistemology and philosophy of social science, and proceeds to issues of methodology and research design essential for producing a good research proposal. It also introduces researchers to the main issues of debate and contention in the methodology of social sciences, identifying commonalities, historic continuities and genuine differences.
Preface
1. Introduction Donatella della Porta and Michael Keating
Part I. Epistemology and Philosophy of the Social Sciences
2. How many approaches in the social sciences? An epistemological introduction Donatella della Porta and Michael Keating
3. Normative political theory and empirical research Rainer Bauböck
4. Causal explanation Adrienne Héritier
5. Constructivism
what it is (not) and how it matters Friedrich Kratochwil
6. Culture and social science Michael Keating
7. Historical institutionalism Sven Steinmo
8. Game theory Christine Chwaszcza
9. Rationality and recognition Alessandro Pizzorno
Part II. Research Design
10. Concepts and concept formation Peter Mair
11. Comparative analysis
case-oriented versus variable-oriented research Donatella della Porta
12. Case studies and process tracing
theories and practices Pascal Vennesson
13. Quantitative analysis Mark Franklin
14. The design of social and political research Philippe Schmitter
15. Ethnographic approaches Zoe Bray
16. Comparing approaches, methodologies and methods. Some concluding remarks Donatella della Porta and Michael Keating
References
Glossary
Index.
'This volume makes a strong and persuasive case for a pluralistic approach to social science. A wide variety of approaches are explicated by their leading exponents so that the reader can judge in what ways, and to what extent, they might be enlisted in the study of markets, politics, and society. An immensely informative and intellectually stimulating journey.' John Gerring, Boston University