The Uses and Misuses of Data and Models The

Undeniably, the amount of "information" in our culture has increased by leaps and bounds. At the same time, discussion of values, norms and purpose is often missing from the discourse of social research - especially by those who work within the positivist framework. The authors of this book develop principles to guide the use of data and models in the human sciences. Writing as scholars who are at home with empirical and mathematical social science, yet taking seriously the critiques of this heritage, they propose ways of developing norms without becoming subjective.

Preface

ix

PART I: FOUNDATIONS

1

(60)

Oracles, Norms, and Science

3

(20)

Presents our question: What principles should guide the development and use of data and models in the social sciences? Discusses the scope of human information and four problem areas in using data and models to study human individuals, groups, and institutions. Discusses the approach to normative analysis we will be using to address these problems. Introduces the information cycle---the process of generating human information, from framing questions to forming policies and making decisions.

Modeling

23

(20)

What is modeling and what are models? How are they developed? What principles can we derive from understanding the nature of the modeling process itself?

Dreams and Disappointments

43

(18)

The history of how we have gotten to the place we are today with so much scientific social study and human information. What are the major critiques of the social-scientific enterprise?

PART II: THE INFORMATION CYCLE

61

(135)

A Priori Influences on the Information Cycle

63

(24)

Three different modes of thinking in the social sciences and the underlying values and assumptions behind each. Principal benefits and limits of each. Defining ``objectivity'' in the social sciences.

Measurement of Human Information

87

(20)

The starting place for much human information is measurement. What then are the social benefits of a good system of measurement? What measurement scales are available and what does each require or assume? Some examples of good measurement in the social sciences.

Limitations of Measurement in the Social Sciences

107

(30)

The ``dark side of measurement''---that is, the harms that can arise from mismeasurement or improper use of measurement scales. Three case studies---stress, intelligence, and project evaluation---and the potential consequences of misusing measurement.

Information for Inferences: What Are Social Science Data?

137

(20)

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The Uses and Misuses of Data and Models The Mathematization of the Human Sciences

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Table of Contents

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