The Significance of Method

Abstract

While the importance of metatheory for theory growth has received some attention from sociologists, the importance of methodological preferences has been overlooked. We examine an influential model of theory growth in social science. This model focuses on theory. We show how recent work in the sociology of science suggests an equally important place for methodological preference in guiding social research. Bringing in method allows us to recognize that what often passes for fundamental metatheoretical differences among subfields in sociology actually consists of minor squabbles over resource allocation. We show that not only does social theory grow strategically through theoretical research programs, but that the different forms of theoretical work in sociology serve to integrate the work of diverse researchers in a less efficient but still effective manner.