ciological theory and those who advocate narrow empirical research.
In terms of development of sociological theory, the discipline from 1929 to 1969 seemed to Rose to be more analytical and fact-finding than general sociology prior to the World War I. Before the end of the First World War, sociology was more concerned with developing vast sociological syntheses, in discovering broad mega-trends in social behavior, and in constructing grand theories of sociology. In the writings of such sociologists as Spencer, Marx, Cooley, Sumner, Ross and others, this early period established sociology as an abstract science which made bold assertions as to truth and falsehoods. These early activities can appropriately be labelled as "system building"--that is, these scholars dedicated themselves to the construction of inclusive logical systems of explanation of social phenomena.
Post-World War I sociology took a decisive turn toward studying the concrete situation and measuring it through established empirical methodologies. K
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