ABSTRACT
A thorough understanding of the work of W. E. B. Du Bois and E. Franklin Frazier can facilitate a synthesis of the macro and micro approaches. This chapter discusses the concept of a "research paradigm" is used to demystify the so-called scientific method and its application to the study of black families. Commonalities identified in the work of Du Bois and Frazier proposed for resurrection in contemporary studies. The chapter focuses on the theoretical models used by Du Bois and others including their summary assessments of the future of black families. It examines theories and empirical techniques indicate that the forces hypothesized as affecting black families were similar; however, the relative explanatory power assigned to different factors varies substantially. The belief held by both Frazier and Du Bois that sound theorizing should take precedence over concern with data collection and data analysis was informed by similar micro order values.
