LEVELS OF ANALYSIS AND THE QUALITATIVE STUDY OF QUANTITATIVE DATA

Abstract

Organizational demography research tends to invoke multi-level concepts that require multi-level theories and analysis. Scholars originally paid little attention to this multi-level work. However, the complex issues involved in studying multi-level demographic phenomena are receiving increasing scrutiny. Three historical oppositions in social science have contributed to current limitations: the disciplinary differences between psychology and sociology; the analytical antagonism between quantitative and qualitative analysis; and the rhetorical distinctions between deductive and inductive discussion. These oppositions suggest that a more qualitative, inductive approach may uncover new directions for multi-level demographic theory. Two possibilities are discussed. One is to refocus on the phenomena themselves instead of their outcomes. Another is to explore how demographic misperceptions influence individual behavior.

Citation

Lawrence, B.S. (2005), "LEVELS OF ANALYSIS AND THE QUALITATIVE STUDY OF QUANTITATIVE DATA", Yammarino, F.J. and Dansereau, F. (Ed.) Multi-level Issues in Organizational Behavior and Processes (Research in Multi-Level Issues, Vol. 3), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 231-250. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1475-9144(04)03010-3