|
|
Reviewed by Dhanalakshmi Ayyer
Never judge a book by its cover, the old adage goes. Never get carried away by the title. What is more interesting in this context is not the cover (which would be more appropriate for a title on environment) or the title that is pedantic to say the least, but the sub title. Rules for Looking sounds a wee bit incomplete and tantalising in prospect to make one curious. It is the last prospect that makes this `one more book on research methodology', different, interesting, readable and important. Even while being immensely instructive, there is a certain casual air in the delivery that makes John Sumsor's Guide a working and a workable proposition.
The book seeks to guide researchers to view their subject neutrally without the bias and prejudice that earlier experiences, observations or studies would have generated. To approach familiar territory without any preconceived notion is a challenge to one's sense of judgement and perception. If following the writ is difficult, ignoring it is useless, as research on the basis of bias makes observations coloured, perceptions tilted and conclusions questionable. To provide research the veneer of credibility the researcher must start on a clean slate. This book endeavours to prepare one in that direction. John Sumser has itemised time-tested, practical methods to make empirical research more convenient and authentic. Intricate scientific and statistical concepts are brought down in simple easy terms and `looking' is made an exercise of easy adaptability and even easier application. Dealing with the four major areas of research: field work, survey programmes, experimentation and analysis, Sumser guides one to `look' as need be, not as one would like to. He fine-tunes the craft of observation to a science of observation that is practical, adaptable and holistic.
Research in social sciences is generally confined to treatises made on the plausible accounts based on different theories, and subject to different tests. However, the interplay of theory and concepts implies logic and thought, which are in turn subject to individual and social perspectives. Rules of Looking provides the lee way where the thinking functions along with looking and makes research methodology an objective and focussed exercise. As conclusions cannot be separated from processes, it is imperative that the process is free from inherent faults and criticism. To achieve this, data must be adequate, concepts and purpose of inquiry categorically defined and the rationale of observation and conclusion made absolutely clear. The book provides guidelines for this quality of empirical research — research based on observation and analysis not speculation and introspection.
It also sets the pace for empirical research by zeroing on certain key areas that makes looking not just more convenient but also fruitful, focussed, verifiable and also stand the test of time, enquiry and criticism.
In terms of application, the book concentrates on four areas: field work, survey programming, experimentation and analysis and discusses technicalities pertaining to the different methodologies. Part I caters to the basics of social research — the concepts, the base line, the how of the game. Part II goes into methodological details and the adaptability of findings to formalised patterns.
Social research is a social activity and the interaction of the researcher with his subject on the one hand and the greater society on the other is critical. It is with this end in mind that the book also provides essential guidelines:on how to write and present reports, not just as an investigative inquiry but also in the context of applied settings of business and public administration. A working guide that is at once in structure, relevant comprehensive, clear and above all uncluttered and simple makes this book will be a boon to researchers.
|
|
Book Description
In 45 minutes, prime-time television can present viewers with a crime (often a murder), introduce all the suspects and their motives, and then solve the mystery. Through moral boundaries that have become stereotypical over the years, the show's hero is able to tie up all the loose ends and ensure that justice is served. This study explores how these morally-charged stereotypes are used in place of either logical reasoning or common sense in television crime dramas from the late 1960s to the present. Also examined is the role these shows have played in the creation and reinforcement of social stereotypes in society as a whole. Criminal Justice Abstracts
Criminal Justice Abstracts
"explores the use of morally charged stereotypes in U.S. television crime dramas from the late 1960s to the present"
Choice
"quite successful...the writing is refreshingly lucid, free of academic jargon and pleasing"
C&RL News
"examines the social content of prime-time mystery drama"
|
|
|
 |