Analytical Sociology. Generative Models, Mechanisms, Explanations

Abstract Analytical sociology strives to explain sociological phenomena at the macro level through assumptions at the micro level about individual actions and interactions, their contextual dependence, and social dynamics. The focus is on the crucial but ambiguous concept of the “mechanism explanation,” which is contrasted with the “covering-law model.” These concepts are examined using the example of the trust problem in online markets. At the micro level, analytical sociology extends beyond rational choice theory by also taking up alternative theories of action or decision-making. Analytical sociology overlaps strongly with “explanatory sociology” and builds on this tradition. The article focuses on key aspects of the methodology of explanations. In addition, the “desire-belief-opportunity” (DBO) heuristic, the relationship between evolutionary dynamics and goal-oriented behavior, and the problem of alternative explanations for a macro-level relationship are discussed, using an example from criminological research. The article argues for a broader, integrative version of analytical sociology that does not restrict itself to specific models and methods.