Summary
Sociologist Howard Becker's book "Tricks of the Trade" explores the unrecognized choices and cognitive processes involved in research, emphasizing the interplay between imagery, sampling, concepts, and logic.
Abstract
In "Tricks of the Trade," Howard Becker delves into the often overlooked mental activities that researchers engage in while investigating their topics. He posits that by the time one sits down to write, numerous unconscious decisions have already shaped the research direction. Becker identifies four key areas that contribute to the research process: imagery, which involves visualizing the subject of study; sampling, or the selection of specific cases to illustrate broader ideas; concepts, the building blocks of ideas; and logic, the method of organizing and manipulating ideas. He argues that proficient researchers continually cycle through these areas, suggesting that each component influences and refines the others, thereby enhancing the researcher's ability to think critically and expansively about their work.
Opinions
- Becker suggests that researchers often make many choices unconsciously before they begin to write.
- He emphasizes the importance of expanding one's cognitive reach to consider alternative perspectives and questions.
- Becker highlights the necessity of visualizing the research subject (imagery) to better understand the scope of the study.
- He points out that the cases selected for research (sampling) are crucial in shaping general ideas.
- The development and refinement of concepts are seen as integral to the formation of coherent ideas.
- Becker advocates for the use of both formal and informal logic to effectively manipulate and evaluate ideas.
- He underscores that skilled researchers move fluidly between these four areas, indicating that this dynamic process is critical for robust research outcomes.
