Lecture Notes: Is Sociology a Science?

Introduction

• The lecture examines whether sociology can be considered a science.
• Presented by Duncan, Craig, and Anna.
• Engages with audience through live chat activities.

Key Discussion Topics

Sociology as a Science

• Main Question: Can sociology be considered a science?
• Key Points:
  • Sociology involves studying society systematically.
  • Debate on values influencing sociological research.
  • Different perspectives in sociology (e.g., Marxist, Functionalist).

Bubble Quiz Activity

• Discussed factors influencing sociological research:

  • Methodological Preference
  • Theoretical Perspective
  • Funding Body
  • Sociologist's Career

• Merton's CUDOS Norms: Disinterestedness and Universality

• Scientific Methods: Lab and Field Experiments viewed as scientific

• Sociologists: Comte, Marx, and Durkheim suggested sociology could be a science

Sociological Perspectives

• Positivism: Sociology can be scientific.
• Postmodernism, Feminism, and Marxism: Skeptical of the role of science.

Activities

60 Second Challenge

• Matching key terms with definitions.
• Terms included: Paradigm, Falsification, Empirical Evidence, Social Facts.

CH (Mild, Spicy, Hot)

• Associating thinkers with concepts:
  • Falsification: Karl Popper
  • Paradigm Shifts: Thomas Kuhn
  • Grounded Theory: Glaser & Strauss

Value Wheel Evaluation

• Evaluating statements like "sociology can’t be a science due to lack of a dominant paradigm."
• Criticism involves the concept of paradigm shifts showing science isn't always fixed.

Red Herring

• Identifying the odd one out among terms and theories.
• Scientific methods and different sociological perspectives.

Key Concepts Discussed

Social Facts

• Durkheim's study of suicide as an example of observing social facts.
• In exams, social facts might be confused with official statistics.

Thinkers and Theories

• Karl Popper: Falsification
• Thomas Kuhn: Paradigm Shifts
• Durkheim, Marx, Comte: Positivist influences

Final Thoughts

• The lecture covers important concepts on whether sociology qualifies as a science.
• Various activities were used to engage and challenge students to think critically about sociology's scientific status.

Upcoming Events

• Mention of future live streams and exam preparation sessions.
• Sociology revision workshops available.

These notes summarize the lecture content and activities aimed at exploring if sociology can be considered a science, the influence of different sociological perspectives, and the role of scientific methods in sociological research. They provide a high-level overview of key concepts and thinkers including the use of interactive elements to engage students in critical thinking.