What Puts the Science in Social Science?

Understanding Sociology as Science

• Sociology is a type of science, distinct from biology, physics, or chemistry.
• Focuses on exploring the social world rather than the physical/natural world.

Scientific Method in Sociology

• Sociology employs the scientific method:
  • Developing testable theories based on questions about the world.
  • Gathering empirical evidence systematically.
• Positivism: Philosophy by Auguste Comte, emphasizing direct observation to form theories or facts.
  • Positive theories: Objective and fact-based.
  • Normative theories: Subjective and value-based.

Types of Sociological Inquiry

1. Positivist Sociology

• Uses systematic observations of social behavior.
• Objective approach: Researchers set aside personal values.
• Quantitative Research: Studies observable relationships using mathematical/statistical methods.
  • Can quantify and categorize data (e.g., income, age).
  • Types of quantitative data:
    • Descriptive Data: Describes relevant facts.
    • Example: Income distribution graph from US Census Bureau.
    • Distinction between median (middle observation) and mean (average).
    • Median income (2014): $53,700; Mean income: $75,700.
  • Reasons for Gaps: High-income outliers skewing mean (e.g., 1% wealth).

2. Qualitative Data

• Non-numerical information to illustrate or characterize.
• Collected through interviews, questionnaires, observations.
• Example: Understanding marriage decisions, which involve subjective feelings.

Limitations of Positivist Sociology

• Not all social facts fit observable categories.
• Human behavior is unpredictable:
  • Example: Hawthorne effect from Elton Mayo's experiments in the 1920s.
  • Workers increased productivity merely because they were being observed.

Subjectivity in Sociology

• Truth isn’t always objective; subjective experiences are significant.
• Interpretive Sociology: Focuses on meanings people attach to their social world.
  • Less emphasis on statistics; more on understanding from subjects' perspectives via interviews.

Critical Sociology

• Argues for the inclusion of values in research.
• Concerned with understanding moral/political questions and advocating social change.
• Originated from early 19th-century efforts like Jane Addams’ Hull House.

Conclusion

• Sociological inquiry encompasses positivist, interpretive, and critical approaches.
• Next lecture: Explore how sociologists conduct their research.

Additional Notes

• Crash Course filmed at the Dr. Cheryl C. Kinney Studio, Missoula, Montana.
• Supported by patrons on Patreon.