The Methodological Imperative in
Kurt Danziger · 1977
scriptions. ’Valid’ theory, ’acceptable’ observations, and ’appropriate’ methodology are enmeshed in relations of mutual interdependence. In addition to the theory-dependence of observations that arises from the nature of human communication there is a theory-dependence of observations which is mediated by methodological rules.2 If theoretical preconceptions are an unavoidable component of methodological rules, and if such rules mean that only certain kinds of observation will ever be made, then a certain predetermination of observation by theory must follow. We have here the possibility of a methodological circle where methods based on assumptions about the nature of the subject matter only produce observations which must confirm these assumptions. Within such a circle theoretical change would be limited to the set of theories which share the assumptions incorporated in the methodological rules. Any theoretical change beyond this would have to involve a methodological change.