Current Theory and Methods of the Social Sciences: Emphasis on LAS

1
Current Theory and Methods of the Social
Sciences Emphasis on LAS

• Anil Hira
• SFU, Fall 2005

2
Overview of Lecture

• Social Science Approaches to LAS
• Tips for Reading, Writing, Research
• Overview of LAS Methods
• Special Probs of Field Research
• Proposal Writing tips

3
What defines the Social Sciences Area Studies

• Social sciences vs. natural sciences
• defn of soc sciences
• probs of experimentation, dynamism
• probs of researcher bias
• is soc science cumulative?
• Area Studies
• definition
• interdisciplinarity?
• deconstruction history of funding sources
• are AS passe? after CW?
• how to make it work for you
• What is approp. level of analysis?

4
Social Science Approaches Methods in LAS

• Anthropology
• Economics
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Others incl
• business admin
• communication
• geography
• history
• resource mgt.
• Archaeology
• humanities

• Archival/content analysis
• Interviews
• participant-observer
• Qualitative- cause/fx r/ships
• Historical
• Political
• Statistical- surveys and time series
• Deconstructive

5
Study Skills- Time mgt.
Planning not just on daily, weekly basis but
think l-t!
6
Advanced study skills

• Academic writing has a specific format!
• Style is towards convincing non-believers style
  is formal
• Intro.- specific q./issue to be asked
• define approp. scope
• show importance of question
• give specific hypothesis/focus
• Literature Review
• what is already known/suggested abt. the prob
• what schools of thought are on your q. in part.
• Evidence
• Acknowledge limits of what can be known
• Consider Evidence and counter-evidence- why is
  your pov, on the whole more convincing
• Must use data, citations, examples
• Conclusion/Recommendation
• Implications of your study
• Future research that needs to be done

7

• More Reading tips
• Imptnce of titles/subtitles
• imptnce of index/biblio.
• imptnce of acad. network/publisher
• Be an active reader outline, make notes q.s
  while you read
• Reading is not for fun but for learning- focus on
  what you need out of the book
• Do not read word for word- read conceptually!
  Know the acad. format to save time!

8
2ndary Res. Process

• Scope of search
• how specialized is the knowledge you need, how
  old, methods, etc- this fx your cho of srces
• Internet srces are unacceptable!
• 1. Start broad then narrow
• 2. Lib. catalogue
• browse shelves, other lib cats.
• 3. Article search engines
• dep.s on your topic
• ebsco, abi, econlit, jstor, pais, ingenta,Ios,
  internet papers conf. papers, e-mail expert
• 4. Use indices cites!!!
• 5. Construct schls of thought
• save time- who are key authors methods
• 6. Identify primary data or sources/ways to
  construct your own
• 7. Be humble- limits/needs of pjt

9
Some Writing tips

• Time mgt. and peer revie
• Always write a logical and conceptually compete
  outline
• Always consider appropriate scope- length,task,
  reading, data/evidence needed
• Always consider audience
• Always try to use diagrams or figures if poss.
• Create a conceptual map of possibilities of
  args/counter-arg.s
• Focus on reaching an opinion formed by the lit.
  and the evidence acknowledge limits
• Dont plagiarize- be original.
• Dont just critique- propose.

10
Common Analytical Errors

• 1- Weak/biased sources evidence
• 2- Inadequate conceptualization
• 3- Reaching conclusions w/o sufficient evidence
• 4- ad hominem attacks conspiracy theories
• 5- incoherence/lack of flow
• 6- recognizing the limits of our knowledge
• 7- Culture of victim/critique dichotomization
• (apocalyptic/emotional heaven)
• leads to one factor/simplistic analysis- useless
  for social change
• offer a pragmatic solution/recommendation
• ideals are destinations pragmatism is the road
  map. Be flex. strategic

11
Other Considerations for incoming students

• Imptnce of writing, stats skills
• What is your meta?
• What is your intellectual passion? How do they
  fit?
• What can be accomplished in an academic setting?
• Stay practical- time mgt. skills
• Importance of methods/skills
• Talk to trailblazers mentors
• Develop strong work habits, recommendations, work
  experience, and clear examples of work
• Develop a l-t plan! Time w. fly