Main trends of research in the social and human ... - unesdoc - Unesco

90 P. F. Lazarsfeld
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III. QUEST FOR THEORY
A fairly clear-cut notion of theory has developed from the practices of the
natural sciences. First, a number of basic concepts are established. To some of
them measurements axe related; others are constructs, the validity of which is
left undecided at the beginning. Operations between these basic units are then
defined, permitting the derivation of new conclusions. Finally, these can be
tested against concrete observations. In their most highly developed form, such
theories are likely to have two further characteristics. One is that the operations
and derivations are usually given in mathematical form; the other is a ‘reduc-
tionist’ tendency: properties of gases can be explained by the movement of
molecules; properties of chemical substances are derived from atomic struc-
tures.
No one believes that this kind of theory exists at the moment in sociology or
that it is likely to develop in the near future. When writers speak of ‘social
theory’ they usually refer to one or anotheriof the following operations:
careful classifkatory schemata
complex concepts which direct the observer toward interesting facts
formulation of research problems of high social significance
broad ideas as to the way social change actually comes about or might be
brought about
expectations as to empirical findings not yet established (hypotheses)
relating empirical findings to others, either established or hypothetical ones
(interpretation)
These are all important intellectual activities and no scientific work can be done
without them. Perhaps it would be better to speak of analytical reflection rather
than of theory. In this way one would be better able to characterize where
systematic thinking in sociology stands. Even the best classification makes less
of a contribution than the type of law which explains why length of words in a