Sociology As A Science

Question 1

Question: What is the debate about sociology being a science?

Question 2

Answer: The debate is whether sociology can be studied like natural sciences (e.g.

Answer 2

physics

Question 3

Question: What do Positivists say about sociology as a science?

Question 4

Answer:Sociology should be a science

Question 5

Society follows patterns and laws

Answer 5

like nature.

Question 6

Use quantitative methods (e.g.

Answer 6

statistics

Question 7

Durkheim – Studied suicide rates scientifically.

Question 8

Question: What do Interpretivists say about sociology as a science?

Question 9

Answer:Sociology cannot be a science because humans have free will.

Question 10

Society is based on meanings and interactions

Answer 10

not fixed laws.

Question 11

Use qualitative methods (e.g.

Answer 11

interviews

Question 12

Weber – Sociology should focus on Verstehen (understanding meanings).

Question 13

Question: What do Realists say about sociology as a science?

Question 14

Answer:Sociology can be partly scientific but also studies deeper structures (e.g.

Answer 14

capitalism

Question 15

Question: What do Postmodernists say about sociology as a science?

Question 16

Answer:Science is just another way of thinking

Answer 16

not the absolute truth.

Question 17

Sociology should focus on individual experiences rather than grand theories.

Question 18

Science itself is based on biases and cannot explain everything.