THEORETICAL CONCEPTS AND OBSERVABLES.

Sociology, by comparison with certain other empirical disciplines, is characterized by a lack of cumulative development of theoretical knowledge. We argue that this is the result of a widespread misunderstanding by sociologists of the methods used in the more advanced sciences to conceptualize phenomena, a misunderstanding currently illustrated by the writings of Merton and of Stinchcombe. A distinction is drawn between concepts which are observable (empirical concepts) and concepts which Junction as theoretical constructs. Examples and methods of formulating each are discussed, and consequences of the different orientations reflected in use of either type of concepts are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]