Analyzes the major proposals for drug legalization and discusses the possible consequences of these efforts if successful. Argues that the legalization of drugs would be an extremely complex undertaking and that most calls for such action do not offer specific proposals. Points out research that supports arguments against legalization of drugs.…

Discusses the advantages of more widespread instructional use of machine-readable materials from social science data archives. The author concludes that secondary analysis of archive data can have extremely beneficial effects on the students engaged in the analysis. (Author/DB)

Compares the functional and exploitive impact of social stratification. A case study of the Mayan culture indicates that, as social inequality increases, the standard of living for the majority does not. (AM)

In tracing the evolution of research methodology in the social sciences, the author notes that the quality of quantitative models outstrips the quality of data used with the models. He believes, however, that refinements in theory building will make prediction, forecasting, and social engineering possible. (Author/KC)

Argues that recent work in research methods in sociology consists largely of adapting methods developed elsewhere (statistics, demography, economics) for answering relatively simple questions about social change. These questions reflect practical as well as theoretical concerns. Discusses social indicators, social forecasting, cohort, occupational…

Shows how applied sociological work has shaped the development of the discipline of sociology since World War II. Applied sociology is interpreted as application of sociological theory and knowledge to public policy problems. (DB)

Discusses the degree to which historians have been involved in the data archiving movement and the challenges it presents to their discipline. Concludes that American historians are less involved with machine-readable data in their research than are social scientists in general and that they should attempt to utilize more such data in an attempt…

Argues that when information is gathered from individuals, whether for governmental or scientific purposes, and when assurances of confidentiality are offered or implied by social scientists, all necessary efforts should be made to guarantee fulfillment of that assurance. Major Archives should assume a leadership role in preventing problems of a…

There are circumstances and threats that make it difficult to use the social sciences to help solve practical problems. For example, information that arrives too late will not be used. Yet, too late is not often defined. However, social and organizational psychology can be used to develop strategies to overcome these threats. (RM)

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)

Reviews various major concepts of culture which have formed the bases of anthropological perspectives. Suggests that an ecological perspective is necessary to analyze environmental constraints on human behavior. (Author/DB)

Explores how the increasing interest by social science researchers in public policy issues has influenced policy, particularly in the area of education. Offers suggestions for making research on social science utilization and impact stronger. (Author/DB)

Considers some of the major categories of federally produced data resources, mentions some of the means of access to those resources, calls attention to some of the difficulties confronted in their use, and notes several developments that look toward more effective access by social scientists to those resources. (Author)

Explores elements of family conversation, searching for sources of friction between elderly parents and their children and strategies to reduce it. Investigates the following areas for sources of irritation and friction-minimizing strategies: information exchange, privacy and right to know, etiquette of avoidance, expressiveness, empty discourse,…

Discusses the primacy principle theory which says that political orientations learned during childhood shape all subsequent political attitudes and limit all later attitude changes. The authors argue that there is little evidence supporting the theory and that cognitive development theory casts further doubt on its validity. (AM)