Research programs and the progress of theory in sociology: the post-positivist conception of J. Berger, M. Zelditch Jr. and D. Wagner

Abstract

The article presents an explanation of the post-positivist conception of the progress of sociological theories in research programs, which was developed by J. Berger, M. Zelditch Jr. and D. Wagner. Their conception specified related types of theoretical structure and dynamics of research programs, as well as their functions in sociological theorizing. Structural and dynamic differences of research programs represent different types of conceptual connections between theories and their corresponding basic modes of theoretical growth. In particular, the elaboration of theories of certain explanatory domains by increasing their scope, rigor, precision, or empirical relevance is a mode of progress of linear programs. The proliferation of theories into new explanatory domains and the expansion of the subject range of their applicability is the mode of development of branching programs. The competition of theories in a certain explained domain for the best conceptual representation of its problems is a mode of progress of competing programs. Special types of conceptual connections and modes of theoretical progress may also emerge between theories in linear, branching, and competing research programs: variation of theories as a result of deepening them into their established subject domains due to increased conceptual insight, sophistication and detail; integration of theories. The theoretical development of research programs is provided by their functions, which are analogous to the functions of paradigms in mature sciences: determination of theoretical significance and doability of sociological problems; evaluation and cognitive-based selection of competing theoretical formulations of their solutions; ensuring synergy of the consequences of performing the above-mentioned functions.