Generalization, epistemology and concrete: what can social sciences learn from the common sense of engineers

Abstract

In this essay I debate critically, and somehow playfully, some assumptions and shortcomings of quantitative/positivist social research, using a dash of common sense typical of engineers. Civil engineers, in designing concrete structures, particularly those made up of concrete, have to continuously consider the error embedded in the limits of available systems of calculation, ending up adopting substantial factors of safety as counter-measures. The study of resistance of concrete structures is a good metaphor for social research; and yet, quantitative/positivist researchers, in their search for “falsifiable generalizations”, often forget about the omnipresence of error, let alone adopt the factors of safety. In short, the common sense of engineers is useful to casts some not-so-frequently-considered doubts over the capacity of quantitative methods and positivist epistemologies to create generalizable social science findings in face of uncertainty and the complexity of human societies. By casting such doubts, I advocate for a more relaxed (but not less rigorous) approach to social research and its complexity.

No trenches: toward inclusive and hybrid methodologies – commentary to Tulumello

“…Simone Tulumello, you are not simply throwing down the gauntlet, but you come out swinging and artfully dissect a positivist exemplar. I greatly appreciate the critical salvo that you fire with a 'common sense of the engineer' and your virtuous passion to level the epistemological playing field (Tulumello 2019). Your intervention reminds me of the battles over epistemologies in the 1970s-1990s that were carried out in conference panels, academic journals, and among faculty colleagues.…”

Understanding (un)certainty in human geographic quantitative spatial analysis – commentary to Tulumello

“…Ossi Kotavaara,Geography research unit,University of Oulu,P.O. Box 3000,Oulu, Fragile, valuable and functional scientific constructions Tulumello's (2019) essay opens with an intriguing and playfully provoking debate concerning certainty, uncertainty and also maybe something that could be defined as 'pseudo certainty' in human geographic quantitative spatial analysis. In this spirit, I dare to state that positivism, logical empiricism, and behaviourism should be understood as historical strata buried deep under the actual foundations of present human geographic quantitative spatial analysis, instead of understanding them as vigorous paradigms in this field (Sheppard 2001).…”

Mapping the 'gray area' – commentary to Tulumello

“…Simone Tulumello's (2019) paper is an essay that addresses some major methodological issues in social research in an engaging and somewhat provoking manner, and indeed playfully. Proposing an original take on methodological reflection, largely through analogy with the study and practice of civil engineering, the text is written with wit and as such, it provides an entertaining read.…”