Science in Sociology

Name: Kalindi Noelle Liburd

Course: Introduction to Sociology

Question

Discuss the view that the methodology appropriate to the subject matter of natural science is not necessarily appropriate to the subject matter of Sociology.

The methodology of Social Science have for ages been compare to those of natural sciences. This essay will seek to identify whether or not these methodologies are appropriate to both of the sciences by first identifying the key terms.

Sociology is defined as the study of human social life, groups and societies. Natural science is a science involved in studying phenomena or the laws of the physical world. Methodology refers to the steps or techniques used in a field of study. In this context, the methodologies that are referred to are observation, hypothesis and experiment.

The methodologies used in natural sciences, although similar, are not entirely appropriate to sociology as the study of humans and the study of phenomena can be considered as two extremes. Both sciences are similar to the extent where; when studying a subject matter in both sciences one is required to make observations, give a hypothetical explanation of observations and provide a logical deduction from the hypothesis (Prediction) based on experiment that may have been performed. Once the experiment method is completed, analysis will be done and predictions and conclusions will be determined. Both natural sciences and social sciences have common aims; they try to develop models and theories that explain the world as objectively as possible on the basis of available evidence. The subject matter of sociology is more difficult to study due to the fact society is constantly changing, where as natural sciences has a more controlled environment for conducting more experiments.

Bibliography

Introduction to Sociology Course Material and Readings (vol.1)

Sociology Sixth Edition by Haralambos & Holborn

Social Research Methods; Fourth Edition by Allyn & Bacon

Internet