The analysis of causal models: Some remarks on new techniques

The theme of this article is the convergence between sociological reflection and technical developments in quantitative analysis. The author shows how the use of techniques based upon the general model of regression forces further reflection on phenomena studied, each of the techniques presented implying postulates about the dynamics of the variables measured or about the influence of variables that are not measured. Taking ecological analysis and contextual analysis as a starting point, the author introduces path analysis showing a progression from the former to the latter models in the convergence between techniques and sociological reflection.