"There is much to like in this book. Jennifer Platt writes well and has a good grasp of her subject matter...The overall conclusion one draws from this volume is that the book is not only a study of the history of sociological research methods in America, but it is an excellent piece of sociological research itself." Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences

"There is much to like in this book. Jennifer Platt writes well and has a good grasp of her subject matter. The overall conclusion one draws from this volume is that the book is not only a study of the history of sociological research methods in America, but it is an excellent piece of sociological research itself." Shulamit Reinharz, Jrnl of the History of the Behavioral Sciences

"This book offers a detailed description and critical assessment of the research practices...of American sociologists during the period in question." Ivanka Knezevic, Critical Sociology

This is the first book on the general history of U.S. sociological research methods. It provides systematic archival, documentary and interview data that question conventional views, showing that the extensive work done on sociological theory gives only a partial picture of the history of sociology. Research practice is affected by many other factors. This detailed study develops our understanding both of the history of social thought, and the settings in which social research is produced, raising wider issues of method in the history of ideas.

This is the first book on the general history of US sociological research methods. It provides systematic archival, documentary and interview data which question conventional views, showing that the extensive work done on sociological theory gives only a partial picture of the history of sociology. Research practice is affected by many other factors. This detailed study develops our understanding both of the history of social thought, and the settings in which social research is produced, raising wider issues of method in the history of ideas.