SOC 201 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Pitirim Sorokin, First Things
Document Summary
No matter which research method sociologists ultimately choose, the first stage is always the same: A review of existing literature on the topic. Many call this phase of research the lit review. Now, when you are eager to actually do some research, spending time in the library doing a lit review may seem a wearisome prospect. But it is never a waste of time! In the first place, someone may have already found an answer to your question possibly even a good answer. Of course, you may indeed find a better answer, but your task will be much easier if you start by determining what is already known. American sociologist pitirim sorokin once compared the researcher seeking sociological knowledge to the explorer seeking out new lands. How tragic for the researcher, sorokin suggested, to arrive at his or her destination only to hear, been there, done that.
