Understanding and Prediction

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XIX

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2. Concepts and Indicators in Humanistic Sociology

   • Stefan Nowak

   Pages 1-72

3. Verbal Communications as Indicators of Sociological Variables

   • Stefan Nowak

   Pages 73-103

4. Meaning and Measurement in Comparative Studies

   • Stefan Nowak

   Pages 104-132

5. Comparative Social Research and Methodological Problems of Sociological Induction

   • Stefan Nowak

   Pages 133-164

6. Causal Interpretation of Statistical Relationships in Social Research

   • Stefan Nowak

   Pages 165-227

7. Inductive Inconsistencies and The Problems of Probabilistic Predictions

   • Stefan Nowak

   Pages 228-255

8. Logical and Empirical Assumptions of Validity of Inductions

   • Stefan Nowak

   Pages 256-284

9. Empirical Knowledge and Social Values in the Cumulative Development of Sociology

   • Stefan Nowak

   Pages 285-318

10. Cultural Norms as Explanatory Constructs in Theories of Social Behavior

    • Stefan Nowak

    Pages 319-346

11. Role and Limits of the ‘Functional Approach’ in Formulation of Theories of Attitudes

    • Stefan Nowak

    Pages 347-375

12. The Logic of Reductive Systematizations of Social and Behavioral Theories

    • Stefan Nowak

    Pages 376-450

13. Values and Knowledge in the Theory of Education: A Paradigm for an Applied Social Science

    • Stefan Nowak

    Pages 451-480

14. Back Matter

    Pages 481-488

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One of the more characteristic features of contemporary sociology is an increasing interest in theories. More and more theories are being developed in various areas of social investigation; we observe also an increasing number of verificational studies aimed primarily toward the verification of various theories. The essays presented in this volume deal with theories too, but they approach this problem from a methodological perspective. There­ fore it seems worthwhile in the preface to this volume to make a kind of general declaration about the author's aims and his approach to the subject of his interest, and about his view of the role of methodological reflection in the development of sciences. First let me say what methodology cannot do. It cannot be a substitute for the formulation of substantive theories, nor can it substitute for the empirical studies which confirm or reject such theories. Therefore its impact upon the development of any science, including the social sciences, is only indirect, by its undertaking the analysis of research tools and rules of scientific procedures. It can also propose certain standards for scientific procedures, but the application of these standards is the domain of substan­ tive researchers, and it is the substantive researchers who ultimately develop any science. Nevertheless the potential impact-of methodological reflection, even if only indirect, should not be underestimated.

• Evaluation
• logic
• probability
• proposition
• reduction
• social theory

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