Sociology and Science

Question 1

What does Durkheim mean by ‘Social Facts’?

Answer 1

Social phenomena that are external to and greater than the individual and that act on and
constrain the individual’s behaviour and consciousness.

Question 2

Why do positivists favour ‘ Macro’ or structural explanations of behaviour?

Answer 2

Because they see large‐scale social structures as the external cause of individuals’ behaviour.

Question 3

According to interpretivists, what is the subject matter of sociology?

Answer 3

Meaningful social action.

Question 4

What is meant by Verstehen and why do interpretivists favour its use?

Answer 4

Verstehen means empathy, or putting oneself in ‘the shoes’ of another. This allows the
researcher to understand the subjective meanings of the actor’s views and experiences.

Question 5

Explain the difference between verificationism and falsificationism?

Answer 5

Verificationism involves collecting evidence with the aim of proving a theory correct.
Falsificationism involves attempting to prove a theory is wrong by seeking evidence hat would
falsify it.

Question 6

What does Kuhn mean by a ‘Paradigm’?

Answer 6

A basic framework of assumptions, principles, methods and techniques set of principles shared
by members of a scientific community, telling them what reality is like, what problems to work
on and what sorts of answers they should find.

Question 7

Explain what Kuhn means when he says that in normal science , scientists engage in puzzle solving.

Answer 7

The paradigm defines the questions and in broad terms the answers, and the scientists work out
how reach the expected solutions.

Question 8

According to realists, what id the difference between open and closed systems?

Answer 8

Open systems are those in which the researcher cannot control or measure all the relevant
variables; in closed systems the researcher can control and measure the variables (e.g. in a
laboratory), so can make precise predictions.