Probleemgevoeligheid en onderzoekbeleid in de sociologie

Samenvatting

Problem sensitivity is discussed as a major variable in the development of sociol. 4 phases or types of sensitivity are distinguished: the capacity to see the separate identity of sociol within the broader spectrum of human disciplines; the capacity to distinguish new topics of sociol'al analysis; the capacity to program separate projects into larger wholes; & the capacity to conceive of sociol as a completed whole of integrated knowledge. Problem sensitivity is considered dependent upon a number of external & internal variables. Among the external variables are: soc recognizability of sociol'al problems, degree of gov'al influence on res, external responsibilities of sociol'ts, internat'l prestige of the discipline, & the wider intellectual climate of the epoch. Internal variables include: degree of codification of method, design & theory, neglect of cultural diff's, & degree of professionalization. It is concluded that sociol can only exist in the plural. The sow ciol'st bears a multitude of contemporary roles. Sociol can at best arrive at middle range theories for restricted areas. Problem sensitivity is one of its main varying forces. AA.