Citation

Fennessey J. Soc. Sci. Res. 1972; 1(4): 359-383.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1972, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0049-089X(72)90083-X

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A number of problems which affect contemporary sociology generally also have particular manifestations in policy-related social research. These derive from the limitations of most techniques of quantitative data analysis, and also from the largely inappropriate orientation of most sociologists toward the nature and use of sociological theory. In addition, there are further problems introduced by the distinctive features of research done in a policy-making context. Several such problems are enumerated. Then, it is suggested that a different view about the utilization of sociological theory, coupled with Bayesian ideas about inductive inference, and with an explicit, collective, institutionalized procedure for defining the research issues and priorities, offers much promise as an improved way of dealing with these problems. Some specific procedural suggestions are made.