Dorothy Swaine Thomas

Statistics in Social Research

There has been an incomplete recognition of the function of statistical analysis as a tool for the sociologist. Although never giving the certainty that results from perfectly controlled experiment, it is a method which provides a basis for evaluating probable relationship objectively. The limitations of the method are due to the restrictions imposed by its underlying assumptions. The imperfections of existing sociological data are considered, with a detailed analysis of Social Aspects of the Business Cycle, as exemplifying the compromises inherent in statistical sociological investigations, as well as the value of the method as a tool. The interrelationship between statistical investigation and the case study is considered. The need for improving the original data of sociology before applying statistical analysis is emphasized.