A Tale of Two Cultures

Qualitative and Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences
Erscheinungsjahr 2012
ISBN: 978-0-691-14971-4
Verlag: Princeton University Press

Buch, Englisch, 248 Seiten, Format (B × H): 154 mm x 233 mm, Gewicht: 373 g

Some in the social sciences argue that the same logic applies to both qualitative and quantitative methods. In "A Tale of Two Cultures", Gary Goertz and James Mahoney demonstrate that these two paradigms constitute different cultures, each internally coherent yet marked by contrasting norms, practices, and toolkits. They identify and discuss major differences between these two traditions that touch nearly every aspect of social science research, including design, goals, causal effects and models, concepts and measurement, data analysis, and case selection. Although focused on the differences between qualitative and quantitative research, Goertz and Mahoney also seek to promote toleration, exchange, and learning by enabling scholars to think beyond their own culture and see an alternative scientific worldview. This book is written in an easily accessible style and features a host of real-world examples to illustrate methodological points.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Goertz, Gary

Mahoney, James

Fachgebiete

• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Forschung und Information Datenanalyse, Datenverarbeitung
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Forschung und Information Forschungsmethodik, Wissenschaftliche Ausstattung
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziologie Allgemein Empirische Sozialforschung, Statistik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface vii

1. Introduction 1
2. Mathematical Prelude: A Selective Introduction to Logic and Set Theory for Social Scientists 16

I. CAUSAL MODELS AND INFERENCE

3. Causes-of-Effects versus Effects-of-Causes 41
4. Causal Models 51
5. Asymmetry 64
6. Hume's Two Definitions of Cause 75

II. WITHIN-CASE ANALYSIS

7. Within-Case versus Cross-Case Causal Analysis 87
8. Causal Mechanisms and Process Tracing 100
9. Counterfactuals 115

III. CONCEPTS AND MEASUREMENT

10. Concepts: Definitions, Indicators, and Error 127
11. Meaning and Measurement 139
12. Semantics, Statistics, and Data Transformations 150
13. Conceptual Opposites and Typologies 161

IV. RESEARCH DESIGN AND GENERALIZATION

14. Case Selection and Hypothesis Testing 177
15. Generalizations 192
16. Scope 205
17. Conclusion 220

Appendix 227
Name Index 231
Subject Index 235

Über Autor(innen)

Gary Goertz is professor of political science at the University of Arizona. His books include "Social Science Concepts: A User's Guide" (Princeton). James Mahoney is the Fitzgerald Professor of Economic History and professor of political science and sociology at Northwestern University. His books include "Colonialism and Postcolonial Development: Spanish America in Comparative Perspective".