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)

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)

Reviews various social science models of man designed to explain the issue of limits to growth for human societies. Presents arguments often advanced by proponents of pessimistic and optimistic schools of thought regarding whether society will be successfully able to deal with the limits to growth controversy. (Author/DB)

Defines Participatory Action Research (PAR) as involving practitioners in the research process and building objectives into the research design. Discusses the history of organizational behavior research, listing the lessons learned from the Hawthorne study. Views current research as following either the course of "normal social science"…

Describes the Quality of Work Life (QWL) program at the North American Manufacturing Division of Xerox Corporation and the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union. States that the story of QWL is a description of participatory action research. Notes that the process has become an integral and flexible approach to solving problems and…

Reflects upon participatory action research as used by the cost study teams at Xerox Corporation. Discusses the evolving relationships between union and management and describes the changing role of the union during this process. Notes that even though management instability causes some problems, the program is beneficial in fostering employee…

The relationship between theory and application and the role of the university in the discovery and solution of contemporary social problems are discussed in this special issue. The social sciences must respond directly to pressing social issues. (RM)

Reports a participatory action research (PAR) project carried out by the FAGOR group of the Mondragon Cooperatives in the Basque provinces of Spain. Finds the experience to be most stimulating and intellectually engaging while noting that it is both emotionally and physically exhausting. Points out that PAR's impact has been uneven. (KO)

Focuses on the international industry of merchant shipping to explore strategies used to promote organizational change over the past 20 years. This case study emphasizes the advantages of melding knowledge and action in participatory action. Points out the importance of the design and management of industry-level forums in assuring the success.…

Recent developments in history and the social sciences are moving toward a mode of historical inquiry which promises to contribute to scientific knowledge of human behavior. This mainly involves the use of quantitative methods and materials in historical research. (Author/AV)

Discusses a subdiscipline of history, Quantitative Social Scientific History (QUASSH), which encompasses economic, political, and social histories. Suggests that devotees of this subdiscipline neglect mainstream historical skills and the work of other historians to the detriment of their own work. (Author/KC)

Social scientists need to cultivate awareness of values, their own and those embedded in research activities, and be responsive to the value system they encounter when doing organizational research. Discusses the sharing of ethical responsibility with organization members, elements of self-awareness and self-management, relationship management,…

The author describes historical demography in terms of the major techniques used in the field. He assesses its importance and relationship to both demography and history as separate disciplines. (Author/AV)

Reviews developments within the field of American sociology since 1955, with particular emphasis on the subdisciplines of social stratification and mobility. Statistical applications and technical advances contributed by these subdisciplines have quantified sociology to the extent that all academic sociologists now need a thorough knowledge of…

Social scientists who communicate scientific information via the media face challenges because they do not realize that journalists have values different from theirs. Discusses motivations that impel scientists to go public, the conflicting roles into which they, therefore, are cast, and the reasons why journalists regard scientists with…