4. (9/26) Categories
Idea: Collecting and analyzing data requires categories: Have we
omitted relevant categories or mixed different phenomena under one
label? What basis do we have for subdividing a continuum into
categories? How do we ensure correct diagnosis and assignment to
categories? What meaning do we intend to give to data collected in our
categories?
Cases: Comparative methods for studying socioeconomic position and
health in different ethnic communities; Marriage and divorce by class
in the USA; Brown vs. Dohrenwend on Life events and difficulties
(surveys vs. intensive interviews)
Readings: Davey-Smith et al. 2000, Hymowitz 2007; Birley and Goldberg
2000, Dohrenwend 1993.
Copyright ©2010 Peter Taylor, Ph.D.