
Ways of Knowing
Competing Methodologies in Social and Political Research
Palgrave Macmillan (Publisher)
Published on 11. May 2007
Book
Paperback/Softback
344 pages
978-0-230-51665-6 (ISBN)
Description
This major new textbook on methodology in social and political science focuses centrally on the debate between positivist and constructivist approaches. It introduces in a lively and accessible way a range of key issues - from the nature of knowledge to the strengths and weaknesses of the main research methods - showing how methodological pluralism can be combined with intellectual rigour. It is intended for undergraduates and postgraduates.
Reviews / Votes
'Ways of Knowing is one of a kind. Emphasising methodology and the contrast between naturalist and constructivist ways of knowing, this excellent text addresses fundamental questions in social science methodology in a highly accessible manner.' - Charles Ragin, University of Arizona, USA 'This is a wonderful book, combining a clear exposition of the competing methodologies in the historical social sciences with a reasoned plea for methodological pluralism. Students and their teachers will learn a lot from it, as I myself have.' - Immanuel Wallerstein, Yale University, USA 'A marvelous introduction to methods and methodologies of research. This is the rare introductory textbook that educates students and scholars alike.' - Keith Topper, Northwestern University, USA 'An outstanding textbook and a timely and indispensable guide to social and political analysis of the contemporary world' - Henry R. Nau, George Washington University, USA 'An elegantly written and highly accessible introduction to a topic that is all-too-often opaque and jargon filled. This is a terrific book that my students will find a godsend.' - Richard W. Mansbach, Iowa State University, USA "Erudite and often engaging! this is a book which will be of value to both students and established researchers." - Wyn Grant, Political StudiesMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Basingstoke
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
532 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-230-51665-6 (9780230516656)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
JONATHON W. MOSES is Professor of Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. TORBJA RN L. KNUTSEN is Professor of Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and Associate Professor, The Norwegian Air Force Academy, Trondheim, Norway.
Content
Introduction Philosophy of Naturalist Science The Experimental Method The Statistical Method The Comparative Method History and Case Studies Sowing Doubts about the Naturalist Method A Constructivist Philosophy of Science From Story Telling to Telling Stories Comparing Interpretations Contextualizing Statistics Interpretive Experiments Conclusion