Graduate Training in Theory construction and Sociological Theory, Barry Markovsky's Article Summary

Abstract

The study by Barry Markovsky on Graduate Training in Sociology Theory and Theory Construction aims at identifying the following variables: attitudes, beliefs, background, and practices of sociology instructors in regard to different approaches to theorizing. The study focused mainly on theory construction and science related topics. The article opens with an abstract that highlights the variables of the study that are guided by research questions touching on the content of the "theory" part of sociology, the practice of the instructors. The instructors thoughts on current training practices, as well as how theory is used in sociology, and contemporary, classical, and formal theory.

On the introductory part of the article, the author discusses the presuppositions of theories in sociology. Three presuppositions are provided for this study, which act as the criteria used when improving approaches. These presuppositions are theories should make definite assertions, arguments should be logical, and theories should be precise, general, and accurate (424).

The author states that the investigation of sociology instructors is necessary because instructors hold an influential position in the "perspectives and practices of future generations of students" (423). The author posits that when using the word "theory," instructors have myriad options in stating "what they mean by it" (425). Many theorists have taken a stand in regards to what they mean by it hence the importance for instructors to communicate such stand to their students. The delivery of the course content by instructors, therefore, is deemed as having a great influence in the coming generations of students.