Rational Choice Theory And Largescale Data Analysis

Hans-Peter Blossfeld is Professor of Sociology at the University of Bamberg in Germany. He directed the European Research Council (ERC) funded project `Education as a Lifelong Process - Comparing Educational Trajectories in Modern Societies' (eduLIFE) at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy (2012-2016).

• Preface -- Introduction -- The Relationship Between Rational Choice Theory and Large-Scale Data Analysis—Past Developments and Future Perspectives -- Linking Rational Choice Theory and Quantitative Sociology -- The Quantitative Analysis of Large-Scale Data-Sets and Rational Action Theory: For a Sociological Alliance1 -- The Influence of Simplification on Explananda: Phenomenon-Centered Versus Choice-Centered Theories in the Social Sciences1 -- Rational Choice, Situational Analysis, and Empirical Research1 -- Thresholds and Mechanisms. A Comment on Hedström and Swedberg's Chapter.1 -- Why are Bridge Hypotheses Necessary?1 -- Bridge Assumptions in Rational Choice Theory: Methodological Problems and Possible Solutions -- Large-Scale Data Sets, Rare Events, and Qualitative Research -- Causal Analysis and Comparative Research: What Can We Learn from Studies Based on a Small Number of Cases?1 -- Causality, Comparisons and Bad Practices in Empirical Social Research. A Comment on Stanley Lieberson's Chapter -- Case-Oriented Research and the Study of Social Action -- Empirical Analyses Using Rational Choice Theory -- The Need of Data Analysis for Rational Action Theory: Pros and Cons -- Bringing Individuals Back into Sociology. Three Aspects of Cohesion in Dutch Society During the 20th Century -- Can and Should Rational Choice Theory Be Tested by Survey Research? The Example of Explaining Collective Political Action -- Rational Choice Theory and Longitudinal Research -- A Dynamic Integration of Micro- and Macro-Perspectives Using Longitudinal Data and Event History Models -- Modeling Rational Action: A Longitudinal Approach -- Modeling the Dynamics of Micro-Social Change: Results of a Three Wave Intervention Study of Travel-Mode Choice in a Region1 -- Future Perspectives -- The Future of Rational Choice Theory and its Relationships to Quantitative Macro-sociological Research