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The theoretical implications of multivariate analysis in the behavioral sciences
Author(s) -
Fen SingNan
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 0005-7940
DOI - 10.1002/bs.3830130206
Subject(s) - consolation , generalization , uniqueness , simple (philosophy) , epistemology , power (physics) , sample (material) , psychology , multivariate statistics , sociology , mathematics , social psychology , statistics , philosophy , physics , theology , quantum mechanics , chemistry , chromatography
Abstract We can start with a specific methodological impass: the method used by a field anthropologist and the method used by a sociologist versed in and proud of high‐power statistics. The former looks for qualitative configuration of a case study, while the latter looks for quantitative generalization of sample cases. The same impass exists between psychiatrists and psychologists. Of course, historians abhor the barbarous term “case study,” let alone statistical generalizations. However, in the deceivingly simple propositional function, X = f(y, z…), both the qualitative configuration and quantitative generalization are taken care of. Anthropologists, psychiatrists, and historians must strive for generalizations. Those arrived at by sociologists and psychologists must be applicable to individual cases. Thus the formula, arrived at through multivariate analysis, can be used to formulate individual cases such that X 1 = f(y, z…), X 2 = f(y 2 , Z 2 …)…X n = f(y n , z n …) with subscripts 1, 2,…n representing coefficients of the variables appropriate to individual cases. To generalize is not to explain away individuals. Rather, in sciences, individuals can be formulated in terms of the determinable variables of the general formula. Since the conventional wisdom suspects sciences usually on the grounds of concern for the uniqueness of individual persons, things, or events, the possible scientific formulation of individuals is stressed to offer consolation and relieve anxiety.