Originally published in 1988, Social Causality takes the reader through the theoretical and practical maze that has to be negotiated before definitive statements about cause and effect in social research can be made. It was designed for the undergraduate student on a first research methods course; graduate students on more advanced methods courses will also find that it addresses questions with which they are regularly confronted.
The authors explore the use of the term ‘causality’ as it exists in the social methodology, social theory and philosophical literatures, explaining different usages and common misconceptions. They argue that the construction of valuable statements about causality often requires the location and exploration of complex networks of variables, and they outline techniques for doing this. They link their views to specific studies in social psychology and organizational theory – in particular, studies of innovation and change. This strategy reflects a conviction that is evident throughout the book – that the analysis and advice of social scientists can be of practical import, and demonstrably effective.