Experiments in Knowing Gender and Method in the Social Sciences [Paperback]

Experiments in Knowing explores the history, ideology and implications of different 'ways of knowing'.Part I: Modern Problems.

1. Who Knows?.

2. Paradigm Wars.

3. Hearing the Grass Grow.

Part II: A Brief History of Methodology.

4. Cartesian Nightmares.

5. Mean Values.

6. Imagining Social Science.

7. Chance is a Fine Thing.

Part III: Experiments and Their Enemies.

8. Experimental Sociology: The Early Years.

9. Of NITS and LIFE and Other Things.

10. Lessons from America.

11. The Rights of Animals and Other Creatures.

Part IV: Moving On.

12. People's Ways of Knowing.

13. Challenges of an Experimenting Society.

References.

'This is a wonderfully iconoclastic book which will disturb both admirers and critics of social science research. Experiments in Knowing offers a lucid critique of quantitative and experimental methods, and a powerful argument for continuing to use and respect them. It convinced me of the possibilities of a more humane and gender-encompassing social science.' Alice Kessler-Harris, Professor of History, Columbia University

'Ann Oakley continues to teach me more than any other researcher with whom I have worked closely. The example she sets in this challenging new book should be a rallying point for all those researchers who purport to be interested in assessing how to minimize harm and maximize benefit in health care, social care and education.' Iain Chalmers, Director, The UK Cochrane Centre

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