Perspective in Concept Formation

In: Social science quarterly, Band 52, Heft 4, S. 852-860

Abstract

Sci'fic facts do not speak for themselves, but are governed by the perspective of the investigator. Pictorial & data-based illustrations are provided to indicate how conclusions can be altered through the reconceptualization of what the behavioral response is to mean. Extended treatment is given to Herbert McClosky's scale of pol'al conservatism "Consensus and Ideology in American Politics," American Political Science Review, 1964, 58, Jun, 361 -- 382, questioning the contention by Arthur Kalleberg that this scale provides a validation of subjective meaning structures. 18 R's rank-ordered 18 of McClosky's original items from "most" to "least" conservative, & the ranks were factor analyzed. 3 factors resulted, indicating at least 3 diff subjective perspectives (or 3 conceptualizations) of conservatism, & casting doubt on the presumed unidimensionality of the concept. Questions are raised as to the need for operational definitions, which really only represent the investigator's perspective built into a measuring device. The implications are related to ancient & contemporary theoretical positions concerning the perception of reality & its epistemological importance. AA.