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Key research themes
1. How can embedding quantitative methods within substantive sociology curricula impact student learning and attitudes?
This research theme addresses the persistent quantitative methods deficit observed in sociology education, particularly in the UK, and investigates pedagogical approaches to improve students’ quantitative literacy, confidence, and appreciation by integrating quantitative methods instruction directly within substantive sociology courses rather than teaching them as detached, standalone modules. Understanding effective curricula design is critical because deficiencies in quantitative training can limit the methodological repertoire and empirical rigor of future sociologists.
Key finding: This quasi-experimental study found that embedding quantitative methods (QM) within a substantive sociology module reduced student distrust of statistics and increased appreciation for how QM informs social research. However,... Read more
Key finding: Echoing results from related quasi-experiments, the authors emphasize that embedding quantitative methods in substantive sociology curricula impacts attitudes by reducing statistical distrust and fostering recognition of QM's... Read more
Key finding: Reinforcing previous findings, this replication confirms that while embedding quantitative methods within substantive modules enhances student appreciation and reduces distrust of statistical approaches, it concurrently... Read more
2. What are the methodological innovations and epistemological foundations underpinning analytical sociology’s use of quantitative methods?
Analytical sociology advances the understanding of social phenomena by emphasizing mechanism-based explanations, multi-level modeling, and the synthesis of qualitative insights with quantitative and computational tools. Its approach prioritizes generating explanations through 'reverse engineering' social mechanisms via generative models (e.g., agent-based simulations), which enable micro-to-macro dynamics to be rigorously modeled and empirically tested. This research focuses on clarifying the principles, theoretical coherence, and computational foundations that distinguish analytical sociology's quantitative methodology from traditional approaches.
Key finding: The paper elaborates on analytical sociology's principle of mechanism-based explanations via generative models, arguing that understanding social phenomena requires recreating observed patterns from micro-level actions and... Read more
3. How can quantitative methods be used ethically and effectively to advance social justice in sociology and social sciences?
This theme interrogates the historical ambivalence toward quantitative methods stemming from their past misuse to legitimize discrimination, and explores how these methods, when employed competently and ethically by socially conscious researchers, can promote social justice. The focus is on reconciling quantitative empirical rigor with multicultural competence and transformative goals, critically evaluating epistemological critiques, and exemplifying best practices that leverage quantitative data to illuminate and challenge inequalities.
Key finding: This article contends that quantitative methods, historically misused to reinforce oppression, are not inherently antithetical to social justice. When employed by multicultural and social justice–oriented scholar-activists,... Read more