Discovering data: A neglected virtue of theory-driven research

Authors
Stark, R
Citation
R. Stark, Discovering data: A neglected virtue of theory-driven research, SOCIOL TH M, 16(1), 2001, pp. 19-29
Citations number
20
Categorie Soggetti
Sociology & Antropology
Journal title
SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY AND METHODS
ISSN journal
09131442 → ACNP
Volume
16
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
19 - 29
Database
ISI
SICI code
0913-1442(2001)16:1<19:DDANVO>2.0.ZU;2-9
Abstract
When research is theory-driven, the "proper" research method is the one tha t best tests one's theory. An often unnoticed byproduct of theory-driven re search is the ability to "discover" appropriate data. I illustrate this poi nt with the many instances when I recognized that the data I needed to test a theory were already available in some rather odd places.