Making Sense of
the Social World
th
4 Edition
Chapter 1: Science, Society, and Social Research
Science
A set of logical, systematic, documented
methods for investigating nature and natural
processes; the knowledge produced by these
investigations.
Social Science
The use of scientific methods to investigate
individuals, societies, and social processes; the
knowledge produced by these investigations.
Can we see the social world more clearly if
we use the methods of social science?
Science relies on logical and systematic methods
to answer questions, and it does so in a way that
allows others to inspect and evaluate its methods.
So social scientists develop, refine, apply, and
report their understanding of the social world
more systematically, or “scientifically,” than the
general public does.
Social Science Research Methods
Reduce the likelihood of overgeneralization by
using systematic procedures for selecting
individuals or groups to study, so that they are
representative of the individuals or groups to
which we wish to generalize.
To avoid illogical reasoning, social researchers use explicit criteria
for identifying causes and for determining whether these criteria
are met in a particular instance.
For example, we might think that people who don’t have many
social ties just aren’t friendly . . .
. . . even if we know they have just moved into a community and
started a new job.
For example, if we are convinced that heavy Internet users are
antisocial, we can find many confirming instances.
But what about elderly people who serve as Internet pen pals
for grade school children, or therapists who deliver online
counseling?
Social science methods can reduce the risk of selective or
inaccurate observation by requiring that we measure and sample
phenomena systematically.
Scientific methods lessen the tendency to answer questions about
the social world from ego-based commitments, excessive devotion
to tradition, and/or unquestioning respect for authority.
Social scientists insist:
Show us the evidence!