ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses neither orientation is encountered in completely pure or unmixed form in the practice of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) research. The structural and the perceptual orientations constitute, in broad terms, contrasting theoretical perspectives. Predictions and projections within this orientation tend to be restricted to extrapolation from the core of basic data that is, from the critical variables identified by the original mode. In social science in general, the division running between the structural and perceptual focuses is acceptable and advantageous in some respects for the disciplines. The dialectical nature of communication suggests practical use of SIA research. The analyst can also inform the participants’ frameworks, viewpoints, and actions with social structural information. Recognition of the direction of analytic incorporation allows for the utilization of processual analysis in impact assessment in such a way as satisfying the requirements imposed on the research by the research users.
