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Methodological Pluralism in British Sociology

Malcolm Williams

Suzanne Chamberlain

University of Plymouth

The dominant position on research methodology and methods among British sociologists has for many years been that of ‘methodological pluralism’. However, concerns have lately been expressed about the lack of research involving quantitative methods, not least by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). A study of the four mainstream British journals over two years, together with associated sources, demonstrates national patterns of research methods used in published work, the topics tackled and variations between authors in the methods chosen. The findings suggest empirical support for the concerns recently expressed by the ESRC, and an argument, not for less qualitative research, but for more quantitative research.

Key Words: documentary analysis • ESRC • methodological pluralism • quantitative methods

Sociology, Vol. 38, No. 1, 153-163 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0038038504039372


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