Usable Social Science

Neil J. Smelser is a senior scholar and University Professor at the University of California and author of several UC Press books, most recently The Odyssey Experience and Reflections on the University of California. John Reed is currently Chairman of the Corporation of MIT and former Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange and former Chairman and CEO of Citicorp, Citibank and Citigroup.

"A readable, nontechnical identification and assessment of areas of relevant, usable social science knowledge... Recommended." -- M. Oromaner, formerly, Hudson County Community College Choice

• Preface Introduction: The Problem and Our Take on It Part I. Arenas of Usability 1. Space and Time: Constraints and Opportunities 2. Some Dynamics of Cognition, Judgment, and Bias 3. Sanctions in Organizational and Social Life 4. Groups, Teams, Networks, Trust, and Social Capital 5. How Decisions Are Made 6. Organizations and Organizational Change 7. Economic Development and Social Change 8. Methods of Research and Their Usability Part II. The Big Picture of Usability 9. Social Change, Social Problems, and Demands for Knowledge 10. The Production of Knowledge in the Social Sciences References Index