Search

This paper extends the existing literature by conceptualizing lifetime marital experience in the form of a summary flowchart. The flowchart approach highlights the longitudinal dimension and captures the dynamics of lifetime marital experience which are absent from previous research based on census data and vital statistics records. We illustrate the application of this model through a secondary analysis of data collected in a study of applicants for Social Security disability benefits. In addition, we outline several research questions which the flowchart model generates and indicate some methodological problems the researcher will face when using the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the author comments on methodologies in social psychological work proposed by participants of the roundtable discussion conducted by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issue in the U.S. The techniques of surveying, has had exceptional use in solving the practical problems encountered in administrative work. With regards to the dynamics of face-to-face human groups, the clinical approach to social psychological problems was appropriate in that the former isolation between social psychologists and clinicians has been breaking down. The author suggested that there are no really unique methods in the field.

This paper offers a look at patterns in methods of social inquiry or research as of September 1950. Apart from pure economics and some political science, the social sciences today proceed, like the natural sciences, at least partly inductively. All the inquiries use some statistical methods as against purely literary statements. This is not due to sheer perversity or exhibitionism, but to scientific necessity--the necessity, in short, of summarizing the main general trends among a wide variety of observed findings. The chief substitute of the social sciences for experiment is statistical strategy. Both in the natural and the realistic social sciences, the narrower and the more intensive the study and the less the variability of behaviour under study, the less statistics need come into it. Variability is reduced by experimenting under laboratory conditions and thus isolating the factors, but the alternative strategy is statistical and isolates the factors at issue by selection of numerically stable conditions or by control of variations. A further common feature of the social research pattern and the feature which, in spite of its great importance, has escaped attention is that of comprehensiveness. The lack of attention to this rule of discipline has been due largely to the inordinate attention bestowed upon the practical devices for random sampling.

The article discusses the national survey conducted in determining priorities in ocean science study as identified by the community of oceanographers. The study was conducted under the assumption that if priorities in any subject are to be set, there should be strong input into the priority decisions by persons active in the field. The study was solicited by questionnaire which are based on ocean science topics taught in introductory ocean science courses. The results of the study and other relevant information regarding the study are also presented.

The article presents a hypothesis concerning matrimonial and residential choices of men in Yaounde, Cameroun. The emergence of monogamous nuclear families reflects modern aspirations or ends and/or lack of resources or means. Plural marriage is associated with traditional ends, but always traditional means. Topics are research methods used in this study, ethnic isolation, characteristics of monogamous and polygamous city dwellers and their homes, ecological correlations, educational attainment, and housing status.

Study conducted by self-administered questionnaire on a sequential sample of 81 male and 97 female patients attending a hospital V.D. clinic. From socialization theory a relationship is hypothesized between sex-saliency of family and peer group context and level of sexual activity. The hypothesis is confirmed in the case of family context, but the relationship is shown to be curvilinear in the case of the peer group-individuals with unusually high levels of sexual activity are less likely to have been exposed to a sex-salient peer group environment. It is suggested that for these individuals the mass media are an important source of role model behavior. Peer group has a greater impact than family in determining level of sexual activity. Suggestions are made for modification of the theoretical model and for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the author discusses survey technique and polling procedure as methods in social science research. The survey method is an approach in which field workers or interviewers obtain quantitative data in the study on people outside of the experimental laboratory. It differs from the opinion poll in two ways: it employs a different type of field of staff and interviewing technique, and research design. However, the pool is weakest in obtaining data through the single question. The survey method, while utilizing the verbal responses of the subject often seeks to obtain data from all available sources. The author suggested that it is essential to raise sights on the resources devoted to scientific social research in comparison to the investment made in natural science.