Allowing for Ambiguity in the Social Sciences

This paper gives a micro-sociological view on the methodology used by Else Frenkel-Brunswik in famous study The Authoritarian Personality (Adorno et al. 1950). A thorough reconstruction of theoretical and methodological concepts eventually allows for full appreciation her works from today’s social research perspective, especially role field authoritarianism-research. deals with (i) Frenkel-Brunswik’s team Personality, (ii) way she followed up earlier work, (iii) question which ways parts were object criticism numerous critics TAP, (iv) herself responded to these critics. material basis such an approach is archival available “Archive History Sociology Austria (AGSO)” Graz, Austria, holds estate Frenkel-Brunswik, most all correspondence unpublished typoscripts later publications, as well at Institute Jewish Research (YIVO) New York, papers American Committee, i.e., draft reports, memoranda, some interview protocols TAP study.