Helmut M' Artus

1
Helmut M. Artus

• Databases, Database Analysis, and Database
  Research
• Exploration of a Research Field
• GESIS IZ Bonn (Germany)

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

4
Database SOLIS History (just some puzzle stones)
5
Structuralist Sociological
Perspective------------------------
-----------------------------------

• Unhistorical
• unambiguousness by formal structures
• formal norms of action
• c 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 c
• real work situation with time pressure, competing
  priorities etc.
• etc.

6

• Social conditionality of the data derived from
  databases

7
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...

8
Types of Rules

• Deterministic
• In case the red light flashes up, push
  button A!

• Undeterministic
• Describe the most important topics of any
  publication!

9

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

10
(No Transcript)