Rational Choice Theory And Large-scale Data Analysis
1st Edition
Published on 19. March 1998
Book
Hardback
336 pages
978-0-8133-9027-7 (ISBN)
Description
The relationship between rational choice theory and large-scale data analysis has become an important issue for sociologists. Though rational choice theory is well established in both sociology and economics, its influence on quantitative empirical sociology has been surprisingly limited. This book examines why there is hardly a link between the two and discusses how they could be more fruitfully integrated in the future. The relationship between rational choice theory and large-scale data analysis has become an important issue for sociologists. Though rational choice theory is well established in both sociology and economics, its influence on quantitative empirical sociology has been surprisingly limited. This book examines why there is hardly a link between the two and discusses how they could be more fruitfully integrated in the future.Contributors to the volume discuss the weaknesses and limitations of rational choice theory and possibilities for linking rational action theory and large-scale data analysis in specific application.
The book then outlines the fields of sociological investigation in which the combination of quantitative analysis and large-scale data sets and rational action theories could be necessary or useful and which assumptions have to be made to link the two. Finally, the contributors propose a strategy for a dynamic combination of microsociological action theory and structural analysis on the macrosociological level.
The book then outlines the fields of sociological investigation in which the combination of quantitative analysis and large-scale data sets and rational action theories could be necessary or useful and which assumptions have to be made to link the two. Finally, the contributors propose a strategy for a dynamic combination of microsociological action theory and structural analysis on the macrosociological level.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Inc
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-8133-9027-7 (9780813390277)
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Schweitzer Classification
Content
Introduction; The Relationship Between Rational Choice Theory and Large-Scale Data Analysis: Past Developments and Future Perspectives; (Hans-Peter Blossfeld and Gerald Prein.); Linking Rational Choice Theory And Quantitative Sociology; The Quantitative Analysis of Large-Scale Data Sets and Rational Action Theory: For a Sociological Alliance; (John H. Goldthorpe.); The Influence of Simplification on Explananda: Phenomenon-Centered Versus Choice-Centered Theories in the Social Sciences; (Siegwart Lindenberg.); Rational Choice, Situational Analysis, and Empirical Research; (Peter Hedstrm and Richard Swedberg.); Thresholds and Mechanisms: A Comment on Hedstrm and Swedbergs Chapter; (Robert Erikson.); Why Are Bridge Hypotheses Necessary; (Hartmut Esser.); Bridge Assumptions in Rational Choice Theory: Methodological Problems and Possible Solutions; (Udo Kelle and Christian L demann.); Large-Scale Data Sets, Rare Events, And Qualitative Research; Causal Analysis and Comparative Research: What Can We Learn from Studies Based on a Small Number of Cases?; (Stanley Lieberson.); Causality, Comparisons, and Bad Practices in Empirical Social Research: A Comment on Stanley Liebersons Chapter; (Karl Ulrich Mayer.); Case-Oriented Research and the Study of Social Action; (Charles C. Ragin.); Empirical Analyses Using Rational Choice Theory; The Need of Data Analysis for Rational Action Theory: Pros and Cons; (Anthony Heath.); Bringing Individuals Back into Sociology: Three Aspects of Cohesion in Dutch Society During the 20th Century; (Wout Ultee.); Can and Should Rational Choice Theory Be Tested by Survey Research?: The Example of Explaining Collective Political Action; (Karl-Dieter Opp.); Rational Choice Theory And Longitudinal Research; A Dynamic Integration of Micro- and Macro-Perspectives Using Longitudinal Data and Event History Models; (H. Blossfeld.); Modeling Rational Action: A Longitudinal Approach; (G. Prein.); Modeling the Dynamics of Micro-Social Change: Results of a Three Wave Intervention Study of Travel-Mode Choice in a Region; (Sebastian Bamberg and Peter Schmidt.); Future Perspectives; The Future of Rational Choice Theory and Its Relationships to Quantitative Macro-sociological Research; (Michael Hechter.).