SOCIOLOGY AS A SCIENCE

Question 1

definition of a science (tischler 2002)

Answer 1

Science has been defined as ‘a body of systematically arranged knowledge that shows the operation
of general laws’ (Tischler 2002).

Question 2

better sociology defintion giddens 1986

Answer 2

Giddens (1986), science is the use of systematic methods of research and
investigation and the logical analysis of arguments in order to develop an understanding of a
particular subject matter.

Question 3

Comte’s belief

Answer 3

According to Comte, human behaviour is governed by
the same laws of cause and effect as those that pertained to the study of the natural sciences.
Further, he believed that this behaviour was measurable. In particular, behaviour such as crime,
marriage, divorce and church attendance are easily measurable via rates.

Question 4

Empirical

Answer 4

Sociology relies on solid, fact-based evidence gathered through objective methods like surveys, interviews, and observations, following the scientific method.

Question 5

Theoretical

Answer 5

Sociological research uses data to develop theories that explain and predict social phenomena, such as family dynamics and educational outcomes.

Question 6

Cumulative

Answer 6

Sociology builds on prior knowledge, refining and expanding older theories. For example, Durkheim elaborated on Spencer’s idea of society as an interconnected organism.

Question 7

4. Objective

Answer 7

Dispassionate
Sociologists aim to remain unbiased, keeping personal values out of research. However, many acknowledge that complete objectivity is difficult, and some argue that subjectivity can enrich data quality.

Question 8

value-free/non-ethical

Answer 8

In sociology, the term “value free” refers to the idea that the methods and practices of science should not be influenced by the personal values or biases of the sociologist conducting the research. This concept is also known as “value neutrality.

Question 9

check doc

Answer 9

yes