Slide 1: What Is Social Science? Social Science Is About Exa

Slide 1 What Is Social Sciencesocial Science Is About Examining How

What is social science? Social science is about examining how people interact with one another using empirical and scientific methods. Essentially, this means that when researchers are conducting social science research, they are conducting studies that are empirical, meaning based on experience, and scientific, following strict rules and guidelines that ensure objectivity and minimal bias. There are fundamental differences between natural sciences and social sciences: natural sciences study natural processes like chemistry and biology, while social sciences study human behaviors and societies.

Social scientists ask how and why questions related to humans, behaviors, and cultures. Despite their differences, both natural and social sciences share common standards to be considered "sciences." These include using verifiable data systematically collected and analyzed, employing logical reasoning to connect theory and data, and following the scientific method’s steps to ensure research quality. However, social science is also a product of its societal and cultural context; since society is constantly shifting, research findings are influenced by the time and place of study and may evolve over time.

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Social sciences serve as an essential framework for understanding human interaction, culture, and societal structures through empirical research and scientific rigor. Unlike natural sciences, which explore natural phenomena like chemical reactions and biological processes, social sciences focus on human behavior, societal norms, and cultural expressions. This distinction underscores the importance of tailored methodologies to accurately capture the complexities inherent in human societies.

At the core of social science research are questions of why and how individuals and groups behave in particular ways. Researchers seek to uncover underlying motivations, social patterns, and causal relationships that influence societal dynamics. To do this objectively, social scientists rely on empirical data—information gathered through observation, surveys, experiments, or secondary data analysis—and adhere to strict standards set by the scientific method. This approach minimizes biases and allows for replicability and validation of findings. Both natural and social sciences uphold the principles of evidence-based inquiry, emphasizing verifiability, systematic data collection, and logical reasoning to bridge theory and observation.

Despite the shared scientific standards, social sciences are inherently influenced by their societal and cultural contexts. Social phenomena are often subjective and interpreted differently depending on the prevailing norms and values of a given society and historical period. Therefore, social science research must be critically aware of its temporal and spatial context, recognizing that conclusions may shift as societal conditions evolve. This dynamic nature requires ongoing inquiry and a reflexive understanding of how societal changes influence research outputs.

Understanding what constitutes social science research enhances our capacity to address pressing societal issues. For instance, insights from social science can inform policies on crime, education, and public health, ensuring interventions are grounded in empirical evidence. Theories in social science—ranging from routine activities theory in criminology to social learning theories—are tested through rigorous methodologies that seek causal explanations or descriptive portraits of social phenomena. These efforts ultimately contribute to the development of more effective social policies and interventions.

References

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