Basic Concepts in the Methodology of the Social Sciences

Considerations of validity that are central to all disciplines in the social sciences are discussed, and concepts that are an essential part of the intellectual equipment of the social sciences researcher are systematically analyzed. Fundamental methodological concepts underlying decisions made in the research process are highlighted to encourage a more critical attitude on the part of the researcher. This document consists of three sections. Part 1 consists of seven chapters, which discuss the basic concepts of methodology in the social sciences: (1) the definition of social sciences research; (2) research design--problem formulation; (3) research design, conceptualization, and operationalization; (4) data collection; (5) analysis and interpretation; (6) central constructs in the research process; and (7) perspectives on qualitative and quantitative research. Part 2 provides guidelines for writing research proposals and research reports. Part 3 provides case studies; it includes three papers highlighting the most important methodological principles discussed in preceding sections. The appended papers include: (1) "A Sociological Analysis of Medical Encounters of Aged Persons at an Outpatient Centre: A Qualitative Approach" (Monica Ferreira); (2) "A Typology of Value Orientations" (Dian Joubert); and (3) "Human Factors in Stope Productivity--A Field Experiment" (K. F. Mauer and A. C. Lawrence). (SLD)