Historical method in consumer research: developing causal explanations of change
Article Abstract:
Historical research provides a qualitative interpretive method uniquely formulated to explain the causes of change through time. As such, it offers considerable potential for expanding our current understanding of inherently dynamic and volatile consumer phenomena. Despite recent interest in interpretive approaches among consumer researchers, the historical consumer behavior literature reveals that this methods's potential has not been fully realized. We argue that this underutilization derives from the absence of a full explication of history's methodological assumptions and requirements, which are substantially different from those that have traditionally dominated consumer research. We address this problem by providing a conceptual and methodological review of historical research methods and by demonstrating the application of historical method to the study of change in consumer behavior. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)
Publication Name: Journal of Consumer Research
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0093-5301
Year: 1993
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On the methods of history
Article Abstract:
Two books examined the philosophy of history. W.H. Dray's book, 'Philosophy of History' discussed the scientific status of history and the use of historical methods to carry out causal analysis. The other book, 'Objectivity, Method and Point of View,' by W.J. Van der Dussen and L. Rubinoff, featured a collection of papers about significant contributions to the analytical philosophy of history.
Publication Name: Philosophy of the Social Sciences
Subject: Social sciences
ISSN: 0048-3931
Year: 1999
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