| Epidemiology and the scientific method. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 7141777 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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This article refutes the claim that the field of epidemiology and community health would benefit from the application of the scientific method. It is argued that the methods of physics are not appropriate for other disciplines. When applied to the social sciences, positivism is a conservatizing force, causing theory to become based on a mere description of social phenomenon. Since it cannot lead to a deep understanding of social phenomena, positivism is incapable of revealing ways in which society could be radically changed. Moreover, such theory is far from neutral. Rather, it is formed and influenced by the forms of life experienced and practiced in the society. This is illustrated by an analysis of the origin of modern physics at the time when society was changing from a feudal to capitalist form of organization. It is concluded that advances will be made in epidemiology and community health when this field breaks from its focus on the individual and incorporates class into its analysis. However, given the interconnection between social structure and social theory, resistance to such a radical change can be expected. |
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Authors:
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A F Chalmers |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: International journal of health services : planning, administration, evaluation Volume: 12 ISSN: 0020-7314 ISO Abbreviation: Int J Health Serv Publication Date: 1982 |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 1983-01-19 Completed Date: 1983-01-19 Revised Date: 2000-12-18 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 1305035 Medline TA: Int J Health Serv Country: UNITED STATES |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 659-66 Citation Subset: IM |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Epidemiologic Methods* Public Health* Science* Social Sciences |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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