Description
Book SynopsisMethodological Concepts: A Critical Guide clarifies many key terms and issues in social research methodology. It outlines the conventional meanings of these terms, but also addresses their contentious character. The aim is to offer interpretations of them that provide a coherent conception of the nature of social science.
This book is premised on the idea that more clarity about the meaning of major methodological concepts is essential, and that the disagreements which pervade the field must be addressed. Numerous key terms are discussed across 13 chapters, including methodology', method', inquiry', research', science', truth', fact', rigour', bias', objectivity', data', evidence', induction', deduction', abduction', understanding', explanation', reflexivity', triangulation', theory', and researcher integrity'. These concepts have been implicated in fundamental divisions among social scientists, exemplified by the paradigm wars' of the past few decades. The chapters
Table of Contents
Introduction 1. Methodology and method 2. Inquiry, research, and science 3. Truth 4. Fact 5. Bias and objectivity 6. Rigour 7. Data and evidence 8. Deduction, induction, and abduction 9. Understanding and explanation 10. Reflexivity 11. Triangulation 12. Theory 13. Researcher integrity References Glossary of philosophical terms
