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Does Speculation Belong in Social Science Research?

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  • Richard Swedberg

Abstract

This article addresses the following question: Can speculation be used in social science research or should this not be an option? The secondary literature on speculation, which is minimal, is presented and discussed. It is noted that natural scientists often differentiate between a scientific form of speculation and the old metaphysical form of speculation. Following the lead of Charles Lave and James March in An Introduction to Models in the Social Sciences , close attention is also paid to the kind of speculation that is part of ordinary research, as opposed to the extraordinary type of speculation that can be found in the work of geniuses like Newton or Galileo. An attempt is then made to outline situations in which it is not only helpful but also necessary to speculate in social science. It is concluded that speculation is an important tool for social scientists if used with caution.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Swedberg, 2021. "Does Speculation Belong in Social Science Research?," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 50(1), pages 45-74, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:50:y:2021:i:1:p:45-74
    DOI: 10.1177/0049124118769092
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