Sociology as a Science Revision Notes for OCR A-Level Sociology

Sociology as a Science

Positivists - yes it is

Invariable law governs society
Data consists of observable facts that can be measured and quantified
Research process is objective - value free
Cause and effect factors that underlie behaviour
Statistical data offer trends/patterns between factors and from that we develop hypotheses - these lead to theories.
These can be tested.

Karl Popper - doesn't fully agree:

He argues that instead of trying to prove theories - he believes it is up to falsifying theories.
He argues that instead of using inductive reasoning we need to use deductive reasoning.
He uses the black swan analogy to further explain this.
Theories of human behaviour which can be potentially falsified can be developed.
The Marxist idea of the Proletariat rising up and revolting cannot be falsified.
Sociology therefore may be pre-paradigm or pre-scientific.

Realist approach - sociology could be a science

Social science is possible - but there are basic differences between the natural and social worlds
Both have underlying structures and mechanisms that they are built on.
The job of scientists is to uncover them
Closed system = more control over the variable and easier to predict. Chemistry uses a closed system
In an open system = there is less control and it is harder to predict.
This means sociology can only be seen as a science in a closed system
You can't say poverty = underachievement for example as it is not as simple as cause and effect, there are other factors.

Interpretivism:

Natural scientists study matter and the way it acts which is predictable
Humans react rather than act (agency). It is all about meaning which must be understood.
Sociologists must therefore understand meaning - observation and interpretation (Qualitative research)
They believe that sociology is seen as an art rather than a science.
Objectivity is not possible - values and emotions are involved and these values form part of the research process.
Standpoint theory = we should use our emotions to enrich our data.