Ignorantes Procedite: a critical evaluation of the movement for methodological renewal

Runeson, G (1997) Ignorantes Procedite: a critical evaluation of the movement for methodological renewal. Journal of Construction Procurement, 3(3), pp. 68-77. ISSN 1358-9180

Abstract

The interpretativists' argument in the current methodological debate is analysed. The basic differences between the two sides in the debate are demonstrated and some of the implications are outlined. In particular, it is suggested that the interpretativists are opposed to the concept of a social science in its traditional form. The debate is not about different research methods or alternative theoretical systems, but much more fundamental; it is about the nature of science. Hence, the proposition that it is possible to accommodate their views in the traditional research methodology, as some researchers have argued, is misguided.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: methodology, research method
Index terms: social science, research methodology, methodology, renewal, movement, science
Subjects: health behaviours and lifestyles, specialized education, research methods, theoretical framing, research design and methodology, renovation and retrofit
Topics: Research Practice, Education, Engineering Principles
Descriptive scope: 3 PCT

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here