Rational Choice Theory And Largescale Data Analysis

by Hans-peter Blossfeld, Gerald Prein

Overview

The relationship between rational choice theory and large-scale data analysis has become an important issue for sociologists. Though rational choice theory is well established in both sociology and economics, its influence on quantitative empirical sociology has been surprisingly limited. This book examines why there is hardly a link between the t

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781000308952
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/16/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	336
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Hans-Peter Blossfeld is Professor of Sociology at the University of Bamberg in Germany. He directed the European Research Council (ERC) funded project 'Education as a Lifelong Process - Comparing Educational Trajectories in Modern Societies' (eduLIFE) at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy (2012-2016).

Table of Contents

Preface -- Introduction -- The Relationship Between Rational Choice Theory and Large-Scale Data Analysis—Past Developments and Future Perspectives -- Linking Rational Choice Theory and Quantitative Sociology -- The Quantitative Analysis of Large-Scale Data-Sets and Rational Action Theory: For a Sociological Alliance1 -- The Influence of Simplification on Explananda: Phenomenon-Centered Versus Choice-Centered Theories in the Social Sciences1 -- Rational Choice, Situational Analysis, and Empirical Research1 -- Thresholds and Mechanisms. A Comment on Hedström and Swedberg's Chapter.1 -- Why are Bridge Hypotheses Necessary?1 -- Bridge Assumptions in Rational Choice Theory: Methodological Problems and Possible Solutions -- Large-Scale Data Sets, Rare Events, and Qualitative Research -- Causal Analysis and Comparative Research: What Can We Learn from Studies Based on a Small Number of Cases?1 -- Causality, Comparisons and Bad Practices in Empirical Social Research. A Comment on Stanley Lieberson's Chapter -- Case-Oriented Research and the Study of Social Action -- Empirical Analyses Using Rational Choice Theory -- The Need of Data Analysis for Rational Action Theory: Pros and Cons -- Bringing Individuals Back into Sociology. Three Aspects of Cohesion in Dutch Society During the 20th Century -- Can and Should Rational Choice Theory Be Tested by Survey Research? The Example of Explaining Collective Political Action -- Rational Choice Theory and Longitudinal Research -- A Dynamic Integration of Micro- and Macro-Perspectives Using Longitudinal Data and Event History Models -- Modeling Rational Action: A Longitudinal Approach -- Modeling the Dynamics of Micro-Social Change: Results of a Three Wave Intervention Study of Travel-Mode Choice in a Region1 -- Future Perspectives -- The Future of Rational Choice Theory and its Relationships to Quantitative Macro-sociological Research