Is Sociology a Science? Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is science according to the Science Council?
Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.
What are the 5 key features of science?
Empirical – Based on observation or experience
Testable – Can be repeated/retested, seen as more reliable
Theoretical – Seeks causal relationships
Cumulative – Builds on past knowledge
Objective – Free from bias and personal feelings
Sociology IS a science - positivism
What do positivists believe about sociology as a science?
They believe sociology can and should be a science, using quantitative methods to discover social facts and patterns.
Sociology IS a science - positivism
What is verificationism?
A theory is scientific if it can be empirically verified through observation, forming a basis for social laws.
From this we can develop a theory that helps to explain social phenomena.
Sociology IS a science - positivism
What example did Durkheim use to support sociology as a science?
His study of suicide, using official statistics to categorize types (e.g., anomic, egoistic) and uncover patterns.
Sociology is NOT a science - interpretivism
Why do interpretivists reject sociology as a science?
People have consciousness and assign subjective meanings to actions, making it impossible to study them scientifically or objectively. We need to establish verstehen and immerse ourselves in the lives of those who we research.
Sociology is NOT a science - interpretivism
What research approach do interpretivists favor?
Qualitative methods like interviews and observations to achieve empathetic understanding (Verstehen).
Sociology is NOT a science - interpretivism
What was Atkinson’s criticism of Durkheim’s suicide study?
He argued that suicide statistics are social constructs, influenced by coroners’ assumptions, not objective facts. Atkinson’s study had more validity.
Sociology COULD BE a science - falsification
What is falsification, and who supported it?
Popper argued that a theory is scientific if it can be proven false (falsifiable). Sociology should strive for falsification. Too much sociology is not scientific as it can’t be disproved. Sociology has more untested ideas than natural science as it has been around less time.
Sociology COULD BE a science - falsification
What is the “black swan” analogy in falsification?
The idea that finding one black swan disproves the theory that “all swans are white”—highlighting the importance of falsifiability. By proving a theory wrong, we get closer to the truth.
Sociology COULD BE a science - paradigms
What did Kuhn argue about paradigms in science?
Science operates within a shared paradigm—a dominant framework. Sociology lacks a unified paradigm, so it’s not yet a science. There is also more competition surrounding sociology whereas science is barely questioned.
Sociology COULD BE a science - paradigms
According to Kuhn, how could sociology become a science?
Over time, if sociology develops a shared paradigm, it could be considered scientific.
Sociology COULD BE a science - paradigms
How does Giddens’ structuration theory relate to this debate?
Giddens suggested that structure and action theories are blending, potentially forming a unified paradigm for sociology.
Sociology COULD BE a science, depends on your definition - realism
What is realism in the science debate, and who supports it?
Keat and Urry argue that sociology can be a science if it’s viewed like open systems (e.g., seismology) where not all variables are controllable.
Sociology COULD BE a science, depends on your definition - realism
What’s the difference between open and closed systems?
Closed systems: Variables controlled (e.g., lab experiments)
Open systems: Variables uncontrolled (e.g., sociology, seismology)
Sociology COULD BE a science, depends on your definition - realism
Under which system is sociology not a science (closed or open)?
In a closed system, because variables can’t be fully controlled.
