Methodology for Agricultural Economists: An Instrumentalist Perspective

Eldon D. Smith

American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 1996, vol. 78, issue 4, 906-915

Abstract: As an instrument for refining judgments of the adequacy of hypothesis validation procedures, neo-falsificationist methodology has important value. Appeals to principles of rhetoric, metaphysics, and literary criticism obfuscate the logical foundation for judging the evidential basis for validity. Falsificationist and positivist methodology are insufficient to facilitate the processes of systematic critique of theoretical systems in their proper role as functioning means for directing the hypothecation and testing processes. Instrumentalist methodology makes such criticism integral to an ongoing, problem-focused scientific inquiry process, thereby fostering theoretical and empirical research progressiveness. Copyright 1996, Oxford University Press.

Date: 1996
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