SLGY 2232 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Auguste Comte, Symbolic Interactionism, Ethnomethodology
22 Jan 2017
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Document Summary
Social scientific theory; an interplay of theory and research, logic and observation, induction and deduction, and the fundamental frames of reference known as paradigms. Research begins in the observation of patterns in social action. Yet these patterns do not necessairly reflect reality, they may be chance occurences. 3 things are necessary for patterns of observation to be rooted in reality. Theories seek to provide logical explanations of these patterns. Theories prevent us from attributing a pattern to reality if the pattern occurs by chance. Theories make sense of observed patterns in ways that can suggest other possibilities. Theories can shape and direct research efforts, pointing toward likely discoveries through empirical observation. Fundamental frames of refernce used to organize observations. Underlie different sets of theories and explanations. Collections of theories that share common underlying assumptions, values, and views of social reality. A model of observation and understanding which shapes what we see and how we understand it.
