Suchergebnisse

Mit Hilfe der Methode der Grounded Theory soll versucht werden, den Anforderungen an eine transdisziplinäre Forschung gerecht zu werden. Die Verfasserinnen beschreiben zunächst die spezifischen Herausforderungen, denen sich transdisziplinäre Forschung stellen muss. Dann werden die Grundzüge der Methode der Grounded Theory skizziert sowie Unterschiede zu klassischen Forschungsprozessen aufgezeigt und Bezüge zwischen der Grounded Theory und partizipativen Forschungsmethoden hergestellt. Dann werden Grundlagen und Forschungsdesign der Gruppe "Zeilenumbruch" behandelt. Ein Überblick über die durchgeführten Datenerhebungs- und Analysemethoden (qualitatives Interview, Expertenbefragung, Analysetechniken der Grounded Theory, computergestützte Analyse, Fotostudie, partizipatives Vorgehen) schließt den Beitrag ab. (ICE2)

Considers how game theory fits into ongoing international relations theory development, particularly that branch addressing international politics via the strategic logic of spare stylizations of the international system centered on Hobbesian state of nature. At issue are what game theory offers international relations theory, the extent to which game theory's capacities are needed, & the impacts on international relations theory of adopting a more game theoretic approach. Game theory is viewed as providing a formal method of analyzing strategic interactions; advantages in the formalization concomitant with such analysis are described. After detailing the general properties of research methods & some advantages available with game theory, debates dominating international relations theory are delineated, demonstrating that much of the dialogue is rooted in weakly or poorly specified linkages among actor preferences, the strategic setting in which the actors pursue their goals, & the outcomes. Consequences of adopting a more formal approach to international relations are scrutinized in conclusion. 2 Figures. J. Zendejas

Following an overview of James Heckman's (2000) article on the state of econometrics to shed light on the role of statistics in political science, efforts to link theory & data in formal empirical research are scrutinized. The empirical content of formal models is described, using the example of political outcomes in a democracy to illustrate the simultaneous equations model. Why contemporary theorists see such a model as inadequate is addressed, along with how they are moving beyond them. In addition, why they view such empirical work as unsatisfactory is considered as well as how they are pursuing stronger theory-data links. However, benefits of inadequate models for structuring empirical work are noted. Attention turns to a series of thumbnail sketches of examples from microinstitutionalist theory & austere political theory with simultaneous equations modeling & structural estimation; examples come from US politics, comparative politics, international relations, & international political economy. Four standards guide a look at the substantive contributions of formal empirical work: (1) understanding political phenomena & solving empirical puzzles, (2) advancing rich theory & stimulating new theory, (3) rejecting theory, & (4) improving public policy. Advances in the study of voter turnout are seen to demonstrate the utility of formal empirical work. A call is made for more & improved research of this kind. 3 Figures. J. Zendejas

Critical objections to Michel Foucault's genealogical method are oriented toward his supposed Nietzscheanism, by which is meant his creation of a theoretical system in which definite directions for resistance or change are absent. It is shown that Foucault viewed his method as in line with Immanuel Kant's ethical prescription that philosophy remain attentive to how political rationality may exceed its bounds. In this sense, his genealogical method has much in common with the critical theory of the Frankfurt school in that it too is dedicated to a form of internal critique of reason. While it is true that Foucault's method renounces the search for certainty to embrace contingent truths, it may still be directed at unmasking substantive injustices & imagining more just ways of living. Thus, the genealogical method views politics & philosophy as mutually reinforcing activities that allow people to see how they could want to be different from how they presently are. D. Ryfe

Discusses the historical & current relationship between the social sciences, the scientific method, & postmodern theory. Drawing on the methodology & conclusions of Galileo, modern science has attempted to reduce the distance between science & reality through objective methodology & heightened rationality. It is argued here that the scientific method relies more on the choice of appropriate language & vocabulary than on actual correspondence between methodology & fact. Social scientists have traditionally adopted this skewed approach to life through the scientific method, which blurs rather than reveals reality. The boundaries between explanation & understanding, or nature & humanity, have little meaning in the real world, & it is suggested that the social sciences must be seen as continuous with literature, history, anthropology, politics, etc. Both Thomas Dewey & Michel Foucault advocate rejection of traditional notions of rationality, objectivity, method, & truth. However, it is concluded that Dewey's vocabulary allows more room for hope & solidarity within the social sciences. T. Sevier

Evolutionary approaches to international relations theory typically fall into three categories: "extra light," which includes historical-descriptive analyses that fail to embrace a true evolutionary perspective; "light," which includes analyses of basic evolutionary concepts; & "heavy" -- an approach that has yet to materialize. Each of these approaches should be rejected in favor of a "strong" variant approach, which embraces explanatory theory & uses evolutionary concepts to outline an ideology's transformation process. The author's own work on "evolutionary world politics" is outlined in an effort to illustrate how the evolution of processes, ideas, & structures concerning global problem management can come together to form a stronger, more complete analysis of international relations questions. It is also argued, however, that evolutionary theory should be viewed as a "work in progress.". 1 Figure, 22 References. K. Larsen

"In diesem Beitrag wird beschreiben, auf welche Art und Weise der Autor gegenwärtig sozialwissenschaftliche Forschung betreibt: Ich verfolge dabei das Ziel, Ihnen so klar und deutlich wie es mir möglich ist, zu erklären, wie ich meine Forschungspraxis gestalte. Sozialwissenschaftliche Forschung, so meine Überzeugung, ist kein Buch mit sieben Siegeln. Ganz im Gegenteil: Rekonstruktive Methoden basieren auf zwei grundlegenden Operationen des menschlichen Geistes: Denken und Ordnen. Wohl sämtliche wissenschaftlichen Methoden greifen auf diese beiden Fähigkeiten des Menschen zurück. Wer denken und ordnen kann, so glaube ich, kann wissenschaftlich arbeiten. Auf den folgenden Seiten werde ich darüber schreiben, wie ich mein Denken ordne und wie ich über das Geordnete denke." (Textauszug)

Concludes this overview of the theories & methods of social movement research & discusses the "art" of such research in terms of qualities such as (1) the use of multiple methods, (2) an emphasis on middle-range theory, (3) the incorporation of new ideas from real-world social movements & from other cognate research areas, (4) a growing reliance on comparative methods, & (5) an avoidance of "epistemological wars" & willingness to grow through debates between different perspectives. Specific areas of theoretical progress are outlined & illustrated in three key research areas: (A) organizational characteristics & impacts, (B) movement recruitment & participation, & (C) careers, cycles, & trajectories of contention. Some future challenges facing social movement research & ways to extend its utility are also identified. 153 References. K. Hyatt Stewart

Two modes of participant observation in sociological research are distinguished -- "theory-driven" & "field-driven" -- the types of research questions each can address are identified, & the strengths & weaknesses of each are weighed. As an example of a powerful theory-driven approach, the extended case study method is examined in detail, highlighting its reliance on constant-comparative logic. Stages in a theory-driven research program on social movements are outlined & practical suggestions are offered for getting permission to study activists, taking notes in the field, dealing with anomalies, & coding. It is argued that the best participant observation research goes beyond the field to address theoretical questions about the social or cultural structures in which social movements take place. 33 References. K. Hyatt Stewart

Presents four reciprocal objections to Jurgen Habermas's approach as a response to his four objections to Michel Foucault's work, advocating the latter's approach. Habermas's critical practice is criticized because (1) his method is less critical; (2) his universalization of the decentered understanding of the world may be unreasonable, while Foucault's historical approach is not; (3) his decentered subject is a historically contingent juridical form of the subject that, when used as a regulative ideal, hampers analyses of other ways individuals are constituted & constitute themselves as subjects; & (4) Habermas's normative analysis is utopian, while Foucault's is not. Commonalties & differences between the practices & critical reflection of Habermas & Foucault are analyzed in this light. It is contended that the criticisms are sound, & Foucault's philosophy offers a cogent test of limits in the present, including those that Habermas claims are universal. 54 References. J. Lindroth

Considers arguments between relativists & antirelativists during debates over the UN's 1949 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. According to antirelativists, there exists a set of principles that transcends any particular culture. This position is refuted by relativists, who point to differing cultural concepts of rights around the globe & suggest that any effort to apply one standard to all will result in intolerance. A coherentist position, which focuses on background features of competing conceptions of cultural concepts to reveal their commonalities, may mediate between the relativist & antirelativist positions. Through use of this method, one may concede that knowledge is relative, but must also insist on the possibility that a universal theory of human rights may be developed. Pursuit of this method would require an expanded role for communication theory & research to develop descriptions not only of existing conceptions, but also of the possibilities for advancing cultural constructs. D. M. Smith

"Biographieforschung ist keine fest umrissene Methode, sondern ein komplexer Forschungsansatz, der in unterschiedlichen Disziplinen verankert ist und auf eine lange Tradition zurückblicken kann. In der Politikforschung ist er relativ neu. Eine fachliche Institutionalisierung hat Biographieforschung im deutschsprachigen Kontext vor allem in der Soziologie und der Erziehungswissenschaft erfahren, sie wird auch in der Geschichts- und Kulturwissenschaft, der Geschlechterforschung und in bestimmten Richtungen der Psychologie genutzt. Biographieforschung ist ein qualitativer Forschungsansatz, schließt aber die ergänzende Verwendung von quantitativen Daten nicht aus. Das bevorzugt verwendete empirische Material sind Texte, vor allem in Interviews erhobene lebensgeschichtliche Erzählungen. Auch schriftlich verfasste Dokumente (Tagebücher, Briefe, Autobiographien, fremdbiographische Texte wie Gerichtsakten, Arztberichte u.a.) werden im Rahmen der Biographieforschung analysiert. Für die Auswertung stehen unterschiedliche hermeneutische Verfahren zur Verfügung, die teilweise bestimmten Schulen zugeordnet werden. Gemeinsam sind ihnen ein fallrekonstruktives Vorgehen, das Prinzip der Abduktion (siehe 'Abduktion') und eine grundlegend theoriebildende Einstellung. Dabei werden Elemente der Grounded Theory (siehe 'Grounded Theory': theoretisches Sampling, Verschränkung von Datenerhebung und -analyse), aber auch Ansätze der Diskursanalyse (siehe 'Diskursanalyse') aufgegriffen. Biographieforschung thematisiert das Zusammenspiel von Gesellschaft und Individuum in der zeitlichen und sinnhaften Struktur der Lebensgeschichte. Ansätze der Biographieforschung eignen sich für alle Fragestellungen, die mit diesem Zusammenspiel zu tun haben, die also komplexe, prozesshafte soziale Phänomene untersuchen und dabei die Perspektiven der beteiligten Subjekte in den Blick nehmen. Biographieforschung ist besonders indiziert, wenn es darum geht, (a) soziale Prozesse, z.B. politische Entscheidungen oder gesellschaftliche Umbrüche aus der Sicht der involvierten Subjekte zu rekonstruieren, (b) die Wirkungen sozialen Wandels auf Individuen oder Gruppen und ihre Lebenspraxis zu untersuchen oder (c) den 'Eigensinn' individueller und kollektiver Lernprozesse aufzudecken, die sich in jenem Wechselspiel herausbilden. Schließlich ist es gerade in politikwissenschaftlichen Kontexten interessant zu fragen, wie (d) Gesellschaften unter bestimmten historischen Bedingungen die Lebensläufe und biographischen Deutungsspielräume ihrer Mitglieder normativ vorstrukturieren. Ziel der Forschung ist die Generierung von theoretischen Konzepten bzw. Theorien mittlerer Reichweite. Ergebnisse können die Form einer empirisch basierten theoretischen Explikation eines komplexen Phänomens und/ oder einer empirisch fundierten Typologie haben." (Autorenreferat)

Describes the challenges & rewards of a dual academic career as an associate professor in plant pathology & women's studies at the U of Wisconsin-Madison. One of the biggest challenges is explaining women's studies to biologists, who not only often fail to understand its intellectual basis but have the power to make decisions about things like promotions/tenure. Two cross-disciplinary classes for nonscience majors are described. One focuses on the social impact of plant disease & the other critically analyzes biological explanations for gender differences. It is maintained that being both a working scientist & a feminist critic of science requires the often uncomfortable task of analyzing one's discipline from a totally different perspective. However, teaching students to simultaneously appreciate the power of the scientific method & to question the ability of biologists to remain objective when researching certain subjects provides them with a broader, more enlightened worldview. Suggestions are offered for transcending boundaries between science & women's studies at the institutional & faculty levels. 2 References. J. Lindroth