Methodology for the Human Sciences:...
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Methodology for the Human Sciences addresses the growing need for a comprehensive textbook that surveys the emerging body of literature on human science research and clearly descr…
Book Summary
Donald Polkinghorne's Methodology for the Human Sciences is a comprehensive textbook that surveys human science research methods, tracing the debate from Mill and Dilthey to Hempel and logical positivism. It examines historical realism, phenomenology, hermeneutics, action theory, and systems thinking, offering practical guidance for implementing these approaches in research on human experience. Ideal for graduate students and researchers seeking a rigorous foundation in qualitative and interpretive methodologies.
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About Methodology for the Human Sciences:...
Methodology for the Human Sciences addresses the growing need for a comprehensive textbook that surveys the emerging body of literature on human science research and clearly describes procedures and methods for carrying out new research strategies. Donald Polkinghorne provides an overview of developing methods, describes their commonalities and variations, and contains practical information on how to implement strategies in the field. He calls for a renewal of debate over which methods are appropriate for the study of human beings, proposing that the extensive changes in the philosophy of science since 1960 call for a reexamination of the original issues of this debate. The book traces the history of the deliberations from Mill and Dilthey to Hempel and logical positivism, examines recently developed systems of inquiry and their importance for the human sciences, and relates these systems to the practical problems of doing research on topics related to human experience. It discusses historical realism, systems and structures, phenomenology and hermeneutics, action theory, and the implications recent systems have for a revised human science methodology.
Who should read Methodology for the Human Sciences:...?
This book is essential for graduate students and researchers in psychology, sociology, education, and other human sciences who are grappling with methodological choices. It suits those interested in qualitative, interpretive, and phenomenological approaches, as well as philosophers of science examining the foundations of social research. Instructors teaching research methods courses will find it a valuable text for exploring the history and philosophy of human science inquiry. Practitioners designing studies of human experience will benefit from its practical guidance.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Provides a comprehensive historical overview from Mill and Dilthey to Hempel and logical positivism
- ✓ Clearly describes procedures and methods for implementing new research strategies
- ✓ Examines multiple systems of inquiry including phenomenology, hermeneutics, and action theory
- ✓ Relates philosophical debates to practical problems of doing research on human experience
- ✓ Calls for a renewed debate on appropriate methods for studying human beings
Cons
- ✗ Dense philosophical content may be challenging for readers without a background in philosophy of science
- ✗ Focuses primarily on qualitative and interpretive methods, with less coverage of quantitative approaches
- ✗ Some readers may find the historical sections lengthy and detailed
- ✗ The book's call for methodological debate may feel abstract without concrete research examples
- ✗ Published in 1983, it may not reflect the most recent developments in human science methodology
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Frequently asked questions
Is this book suitable for beginners in research methods?
It is best suited for graduate students and researchers with some prior exposure to research methods and philosophy of science. Beginners may find the philosophical discussions challenging without foundational knowledge.
Does the book cover quantitative methods?
The book primarily focuses on qualitative and interpretive approaches, such as phenomenology, hermeneutics, and action theory. Quantitative methods are discussed mainly in the context of the historical debate and logical positivism.
What is the main argument of the book?
Polkinghorne argues that changes in the philosophy of science since 1960 necessitate a reexamination of the debate over appropriate methods for studying human beings, and he advocates for a revised human science methodology that incorporates interpretive and phenomenological approaches.
Is this book still relevant today?
Yes, it remains a foundational text in qualitative and interpretive research, though readers should supplement it with more recent works to stay current with methodological developments.
Does the book provide practical guidance for conducting research?
Yes, it contains practical information on how to implement strategies in the field, relating philosophical systems to the practical problems of doing research on topics related to human experience.
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