Helmut M. Artus Databases, Database Analysis, and Database Research Exploration of a Research Field GESIS – IZ Bonn (Germany)

Figure 1: The elements of database research 1 Methodology for database con- struction and management 3 Database analysis 5 Methodology for database analysis 4 History & Sociology of the database 2 Database users and usage research Database

Struturalist View Sociological View “A computer database is a structured collection of records or data… … that is stored in a computer system.” (Wikipedia) … usually produced by a lot of different people interacting under different conditions of work which in many cases are far from being ideal...” (Helmut M. Artus)

Database SOLIS History (just some puzzle stones) When?Years covered Literature covered Disciplines covered Coopera- tions ff.All kindsSociologyNone 1982 a (additionally) Core journal articles SociologyNone 1982 b (additionally) All except grey lit.; no abstracts SociologyNone ff.All except grey lit. Social Sciences institutes Nothing... without Polit. Science... minus 1

Structuralist Sociological Perspective Unhistorical unambiguousness by formal structures formal norms of action c expectation of rule conformity ideal work situation etc. socio-historical genesis & development real ambiguity despite any formalisation real social action, including conflicts etc. conformity & deviance c real work situation with time pressure, competing priorities etc. etc.

Social conditionality of the data derived from databases

Sociology of the Database Social action Social structure of institution Communication & cooperation Social norms & control; deviance & sanctions; conflicts Work situation... and so on... and so on...

Types of Rules Deterministic “In case the red light flashes up, push button A!” Undeterministic “Describe the most important topics of any publication!”

Thank you very much for your attention! Helmut M. Artus