Download - HSRC Press

paradigm concept (as well as some of the other aspects of his paradigm theory)applicable to the social sciences.RESUMÉThe aim of this chapter was to present a cross-sectional account of the researchprocess. Where we paid attention to the different decision-making phases ofthe research process in Chapters 2 to 5, in this chapter we moved our focus tothose typical structures or constructs that (1) guide the decision making, and(2) which are themselves produced, developed and refined, in the researchprocess.Social science is intrinsically a process in which researchers give meaning tothe reality in which they find themselves. They systematize, classify,categorize, simplify, abstract and conceptualize, with the aim of gaining aclearer conception of, and insight into, social reality. In the process of givingmeaning to experiences and observations, social scientists create the typicalconstructs of social science — those constructs that we have discussed in thischapter.Free download from www.hsrcpress.ac.zaSuggestions for further reading1. Although a relatively old source, McKinney’s chapter in Doby et. al,(1954) remains one of the best discussions on the construction oftypologies. That chapter also has an extensive reference list. A morerecent discussion may be found in Rudner (1966).2. There is no doubt that Gorrell’s (1981) discussion of model in the socialsciences is the best available. Botha (1984) also presents a broad overviewof the general literature in this field.3. The orthodox positivistic point of view relating to theories is thoroughlydiscussed in Feigl (1970), Hempel (1965), and Rudner (1966). For a morerecent post-positivistic interpretation, one may consult Nicholson (1983),and Keat and Urry (1975).4. Kuhn’s paradigm concept is thoroughly discussed in Masterman (1970)For general introductions to Kuhn’s point of view, you may consultChalmers (1982), Koningsveld (1980), Newton-Smith (1981), and Suppe(1974). The best overview of Kuhn’s impact on the social sciences is to befound in Gutting (1980).151