Sociology as a Science

Is sociology a science?

Positivists - yes it is

• Invariable law governs society
• Data consists of observable facts that can be measured and quantified
• Research process is objective - value free
• Cause and effect factors that underlie behaviour
• Statistical data offer trends/patterns between factors and from that we develop hypotheses - these lead to theories.
• These can be tested.

Karl Popper - doesn't fully agree:

• He argues that instead of trying to prove theories - he believes it is up to falsifying theories.
• He argues that instead of using inductive reasoning we need to use deductive reasoning.
• He uses the black swan analogy to further explain this.
• Theories of human behaviour which can be potentially falsified can be developed.
• The Marxist idea of the Proletariat rising up and revolting cannot be falsified.
• Sociology therefore may be pre-paradigm or pre-scientific.

Realist approach - sociology could be a science

• Social science is possible - but there are basic differences between the natural and social worlds
• Both have underlying structures and mechanisms that they are built on.
• The job of scientists is to uncover them
• Closed system = more control over the variable and easier to predict. Chemistry uses a closed system
• In an open system = there is less control and it is harder to predict.
• This means sociology can only be seen as a science in a closed system
• You can't say poverty = underachievement for example as it is not as simple as cause and effect, there are other factors.

Interpretivism:

• Natural scientists study matter and the way it acts which is predictable
• Humans react rather than act (agency). It is all about meaning which must be understood.
• Sociologists must therefore understand meaning - observation and interpretation (Qualitative research)
• They believe that sociology is seen as an art rather than a science.
• Objectivity is not possible - values and emotions are involved and these values form part of the research process.
• Standpoint theory = we should use our emotions to enrich our data.