ABSTRACT
Two themes-the socialization of a sociologist as a researcher, and the search for and discovery of an alternative method for sociological research-are interwoven in this book through a de tailed examination of three of my own research experiences. These three cases are linked both chronologically and with re gard to a personal developmental process. My purpose is to demonstrate the struggle that is involved in socialization-the accommodations, doubts, compromises, and insights that cul minate in a position one can finally call one's own. This kind of personal struggle is important not only to the individual but also to the entire profession, for sociology is revitalized through critical examination by its newcomers. The resolution of a stu-
dent's socialization crisis is a potential contribution to the field's development. My resolution and proposed contribution is "experiential analysis," the product of difficulties I encoun tered as a student trying to adopt a satisfactory method for doing research.
