This study attempted to scrutinize the disciplinary and cross-disciplinary generic variations of textbook introductions in humanities and basic sciences with reference to the onion model. The data included a sample of 60 introductions (i.e. ten each from applied linguistics, sociology, and psychology within humanities, and ten each from biology,…

The sociology of sport literature is now sufficiently broad to allow a general analysis of research patterns in this field. To facilitate the identification of these vectors of expansion, sources referenced in articles published in "Sociology of Sport Journal and Journal of Sport and Social Issues" between 2003 and 2011 are examined in…

Traces trends in theoretical models of organization theory over a 20-year period. Findings indicate that it has been increasingly recognized during this period that organizations are highly interdependent with their environments and that their boundaries are both permeable and variable. Suggested future directions include increased emphasis on…

Presents a strategy for simplifying the problem of how to approach important questions in the philosophy of science as they apply to sociology. Specifically, the article outlines an axial model for studying and teaching about relationships among various epistemological positions in contemporary sociology. (Author/DB)

Demonstrates the relevance of ecology to sociological research and discusses some of the theoretical perspectives embodied in ecology. Examines ecology's emphasis upon the population rather than the individual as the unit of observation and on organizations as products of the interaction of population and environment. (DB)

This article proposes several models for the analysis of mobility tables and examines the relationship of these latent structure models to some earlier mobility models, including the 'perfect' and the 'quasi-perfect' models. Uses of each of these models to derive various kinds of substantive inferences are suggested. (DB)

The article traces evolution of diffusion theory; illustrates undesirable consequences in a cross-cultural setting, reviews criticisms of several scholars; considers distributional effects and unanticipated consequences for potential ameliorative impact on diffusion theory; and codifies these factors into a framework for research into consequences…

Considers multicollinearity in nonrecursive models, misspecification of models, discrepancies between attitudes and behavior, and differences between static and dynamic models as explanations for contradictory information on the causal relationship between fertility and female employment. Finds that initially fertility affects employment but that,…

This article explores the controversy over research and communication frameworks devised by the Research Committee on Innovative Processes in Social Change of the International Sociological Association. Concludes that current and future controversies can contribute to a fruitful discussion among social scientists of innovative processes in social…

The author describes the model of social behavior in a social system first framed by Jacob Getzels, with the assistance of Egon Guba, in the middle 1950s. Significant changes in the conceptualization of organizational functioning have occurred in the years since then, though the methodological processes for studying that functioning have remained…

Considers how the changed ecological conditions confronting human societies challenge sociology. Concludes that sociology stands in need of a fundamental alteration in its disciplinary paradigm. Suggests a 'New Ecological Paradigm' which may better serve the field of sociology in light of the current recognition of ecological realities. (Author/DB)

"Breadth of perspective" is a significant concept for definition of public goals, especially in line with the two-way symmetric model of public relations practice. The concept involves four components: (1) awareness that more than one definition, stand, or conclusion is possible and is probably accepted as valid by significant persons or…

Argues that the "ontogenetic" model of adult development theory is inappropriate because it treats as "natural" a subject that is social in character. Offers instead some essential elements of a "sociogenic" paradigm drawn from the accumulated body of sociological research and theory. (CMG)

Discusses how a program based on learning and shopping was developed and implemented within training rooms of major department stores in five suburban shopping centers. Objectives of the course were to increase enrollments, attract new types of students, and provide innovative ideas for teaching and research. A simple exchange model serves as a…

Reviews literature on status attainment, with emphasis on the relationship between status and education in the United States. Concludes that the status attainment process in the United States may depart substantially from the rational choice model favored by human capital theory. (DB)