articleKZfSS Kölner Zeitschrift für Soziologie und SozialpsychologieJan 23, 2026HYBRID OA

Explanation in Sociology and Coleman’s Diagram

WRWerner Raub

Utrecht University

Indexed incrossref

Abstract

Abstract Coleman’s diagram is a visualization of rigorous sociology in line with methodological individualism. In this contribution, I argue for conceiving of the nodes and arrows of the diagram as representing key kinds of assumptions and implications of theory and explanation in sociology. Examples highlighting this perspective on the diagram, as well as various consequences, are discussed. A recurrent theme is that the diagram needs to be distinguished from theory and explanation as such.

Citation impact

8
total citations
FWCI
299.59
Percentile
100%
References
35
Too recent for citation history.

Authors

1

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Diagram
  • Perspective (graphical)
  • Theme (computing)
  • Interpretation (philosophy)
  • Visualization
  • Key (lock)
No related works found for this paper.

Funding