Fuzzy Logic, Semantic Networks, and Theory Development in the Sociological Analysis of Texts

• In Event: 481 - Theory Section Paper Session. Theory, Method, Data, and Representation

Abstract

In sociological research, the use of fuzzy sets has been limited to Charles Ragin’s Qualitative Comparative Analysis, but fuzzy systems of reasoning are well developed and applied widely in other scientific fields. This leaves tremendous untapped potential for further integration of fuzzy logic into social research. This paper begins with a general argument for the incorporation of fuzzy set theory into sociological research designs, and proceeds with several specific points on how (and why) to apply fuzzy logic in text analysis. While many technical issues will be addressed, the main purpose of the paper is to demonstrate how fuzzy logic can improve theory development in complex multi-method research. The particular suggestions offered also carry significant implications for computer automated text processing, which has become essential for most social scientific research applications involving “big data.”

Author

• Matthew J. Chandler, University of Notre Dame