John Gerring , Social Science Methodology : A Criterial Framework

Abstract

This book offers a one-volume introduction to social science methodology, relevant to the disciplines of anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. It is written for beginning students, long-time practitioners and methodologists, and applies to work conducted in qualitative and quantitative styles. It synthesizes the vast and diverse field of methodology in a way that is clear, concise, and comprehensive. While offering a handy overview of the subject, the book is also an argument about how we should conceptualize methodological problems. Tasks and criteria, the author argues-not fixed rules of procedure-best describe the search for methodological adequacy. Thinking about methodology through this lens provides a new framework for understanding work in the social sciences. The problem of unity amidst diversity -- A criterial framework -- Concepts: general criteria -- Strategies of definition -- Propositions: general criteria -- Description and prediction -- Causation -- Research design: general criteria -- Methods -- Strategies of research design.