Cumulative Social Inquiry

Reviews / Votes

'Countering a trend in social research that values novelty over cumulative knowledge, this book advocates for a reorientation of the discipline. Smith reviews many classic and recent studies that link qualitative with quantitative methods and theory with data. In the process, he points the way toward developing a more coherent, policy-relevant science.' - Judith M. Tanur, Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita, Department of Sociology, Stony Brook University

'This book fills a substantial void in social inquiry. Smith has carried off a very solid exposition of the role of cumulative inquiry at a time when many eschew the importance of systematic programs of research in favor of the novel and titillating. He shows how qualitative and quantitative research has contributed to the identification and solution of research problems at multiple levels, including theory development, method choice, and measurement implementation.' - Robert Shelly, Department of Sociology, Ohio University

'Smith's book poses a fundamental though rarely uttered question about the state of sociology. It is certainly older, but is it any wiser? Pointing to the discipline's penchant for novelty, fashion, and celebrity worship, Smith urges a return to core values, demonstrating that cumulative knowledge is something that needs to be worked for rather than taken for granted. He goes beyond a philosophical wish list to offer a practical manifesto, including dozens of examples showing how explanations can be made to cumulate through programs of sustained empirical work. With something to say to both novices and veterans, this book deserves a worldwide readership.' - Ray Pawson, Professor of Social Research Methodology, University of Leeds 'Smith's book poses a fundamental though rarely uttered question about the state of sociology. It is certainly older, but is it any wiser? Pointing to the discipline's penchant for novelty, fashion, and celebrity worship, Smith urges a return to core values, demonstrating that cumulative knowledge is something that needs to be worked for rather than taken for granted. He goes beyond a philosophical wish list to offer a practical manifesto, including dozens of examples showing how explanations can be made to cumulate through programs of sustained empirical work. With something to say to both novices and veterans, this book deserves a worldwide readership.' - Ray Pawson, Professor of Social Research Methodology, University of Leeds

'Countering a trend in social research that values novelty over cumulative knowledge, this book advocates for a reorientation of the discipline. Smith reviews many classic and recent studies that link qualitative with quantitative methods and theory with data. In the process, he points the way toward developing a more coherent, policy-relevant science.' - Judith M. Tanur, Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita, Department of Sociology, Stony Brook University

'This book fills a substantial void in social inquiry. Smith has carried off a very solid exposition of the role of cumulative inquiry at a time when many eschew the importance of systematic programs of research in favor of the novel and titillating. He shows how qualitative and quantitative research has contributed to the identification and solution of research problems at multiple levels, including theory development, method choice, and measurement implementation.' - Robert Shelly, Department of Sociology, Ohio University

'Reading this book made me proud to be a social scientist. Robert B. Smith has explored and connected vast territories of exciting ideas and approaches. When we look back at the 20th Century we will see that everything was there, waiting for Smith and fellow cumulativists and unificationists to put it all together.' - Guillermina Jasso, Department of Sociology, New York University