| Abstract： Operationalization is one of the crucial concepts in positivistic sociology, and many sociologists’ understanding of it was epistemologically originated from the traditional philosophy of social sciences represented by the theory of Logical Image. According to the theory of Logical Image, the meaning of a word is determined by the corresponding object behind it. In order to study social phenomena scientifically and precisely, sociologists have to translate the abstract theoretical words into measurable variables and indicators to deploy a quantitative analysis so that researchers can determine whether the initial propositions are true or not and obtain a relatively accurate perception of the social phenomena. However, the contemporary philosophy of social sciences has refuted that since the pragmatic turn, arguing that the meanings of words are not in their objective references but instead, in their practical usages and their corresponding lifestyle or Lebensform. This provides us a new understanding of operationalization: Operationalization is not a synonym for the dualistic view of subjectivity and objectivity; the process of operationalization is not discovering objective facts; it is a sort of explanation. The formal system built by researchers is not a mirror but an isomorphic design based on the external world. Therefore, the variables and indicators introduced by sociologists through operationalization constitute an isomorphic system linked with the theoretical propositions but not with their objective facts. In such an isomorphic system, the obvious axiom and internal logic can’t ensure its efficiency, and sociologists have to retrace the Lebensform to make a judgment of their works on operationalization. From this perspective, we may find a way out of the formalism trap in current social studies and the enduring divide in sociological methodology as well. |
