Suchergebnisse

Considers the ways social scientists participate in the policy process; on what aspects they concentrate and what areas they avoid. Examines the uses made of ideas and information generated by social scientific research. Discusses the structural and cultural conditions that facilitate or impede political influence of social scientists. (AFH)

This article defends laws in the social sciences. Arguments against social laws are considered and rejected based on the "open" nature of social theory, the multiple realizability of social predicates, the macro and/or teleological nature of social laws, and the inadequacies of belief-desire psychology. The more serious problem that social laws are usually qualified ceteris paribus is then considered. How the natural sciences handle ceteris paribus laws is discussed and it is argued that such procedures are possible in the social sciences. The article ends by arguing that at least some social research is roughly as well as confirmed as good work in evolutionary biology and ecology.

An article emphasizing 'the responsibility of soc sci'ts to adjust to the changing conditions of the changing world.' Because of the launching of Sputnik, great nat'l interest in the physical sci's developed, & extensive programs, with an emphasis on educ, were formulated to further the sel's. Although some of these programs were intended to include the soc sci's as well, their major concern has been the natural sci's. 3 major areas of responsibility of soc sci'ts today are discussed: (1) 'The responsibility to preserve & re-emphasize the soc sci's in the face of the pressure created by the near-hysterical urge to improve the fields of physical sci & engineering.' (2) To train well-qualified soc sci teachers. It is suggested that a BA be recognized as a teaching degree. (3) 'To maintain our integrity & to pursue our res & teaching in the face of the opposition & criticism which are always present in the soc sci's.' D. Pollack.

Résumé Cet article présente la théorie de l'« argumentation dans le discours » (par opposition à « l'argumentation dans la langue » de Ducrot) comme faisant partie intégrante des sciences du langage, tout en explorant le problème qu'y soulève la question du logos – raison et parole. Il appelle à une intégration des arguments et des schèmes de raisonnement dans l'analyse du discours. Il préconise ce faisant une approche socio-historique de l'argumentation, montrant comment elle a recours à des notions développées en sociologie et en psychologie sociale (la représentation sociale et le stéréotype, la théorie des champs de Bourdieu), tout en subordonnant ces cadres conceptuels à ses besoins propres. Il distingue néanmoins nettement l'étude de l'argumentation verbale des recherches sur la persuasion menées en sciences sociales à l'aide de méthodes expérimentales.

"Research Methods in Social Sciences" brings together author Lee Ellis's practical experience from his years as a government researcher. The book contains many examples of resources using worldwide data from all social sciences including anthropology, criminal justice, economics, geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, social work and sociology. Coverage of statistical concepts at a non-mathematical level establishes a foundation for students to understand statistics. A specifically designed glossary is included which clearly defines every term used throughout the text.