Sociology & the Scientific Method: Crash Course Sociology #3

What puts the "science" in "social science"?

This section introduces sociology as a type of science that explores the social world using systematic methods and empirical data.

Sociology as a Science

• Sociology is a type of science that explores the social world.

• It uses many of the same principles and methods as other sciences.

• The scientific method is used in sociology to gain knowledge through systematic observation and testing of theories.

• Positivism, introduced by Auguste Comte, is the philosophy behind the scientific method in sociology.

Can sociology use the scientific method?

This section discusses how sociology utilizes the scientific method to study social behavior.

The Scientific Method in Sociology

• Sociology can use the scientific method.

• It relies on empirical data and graphs to understand how the social world works.

• Positivist sociology involves systematic observations of social behavior.

• Sociologists approach their work as neutral observers, setting aside personal values and beliefs.

Quantitative Research in Sociology

This section explains quantitative research in sociology, which involves studying observable relationships using mathematical or statistical methods.

Quantitative Research

• Quantitative research focuses on observable relationships using mathematical or statistical methods.

• It involves gathering data that can be counted or tallied up.

• Descriptive data describes facts relevant to a research question, such as income distribution across households.

Qualitative Data in Sociology

This section discusses qualitative data in sociology, which provides non-numerical information through interviews, questionnaires, and first-hand observation.

Qualitative Data

• Qualitative data provides non-numerical information about the social world.

• It includes descriptions gathered through interviews, questionnaires, and first-hand observation.

• Some aspects of society cannot be easily quantified and require qualitative data to understand.

Limitations of Sociology as a Positivist Discipline

This section highlights the limitations of sociology as a positivist discipline due to the complexity and unpredictability of human behavior.

Limitations of Positivist Sociology

• Not all aspects of society can fit into observable, measurable categories.

• Human behavior is unpredictable, making it challenging to control variables in research.

• The environment in which sociological research takes place cannot be fully controlled like in natural sciences.

Conclusion

Sociology is a social science that utilizes the scientific method to study the social world. It relies on empirical data, both quantitative and qualitative, to gain insights into social behavior. However, there are limitations to sociology as a positivist discipline due to the complex nature of human behavior and the inability to fully control research environments.

The Hawthorne Effect and Observational Bias

This section discusses the Hawthorne Effect, where subjects change their behavior when they know they are being observed. It also introduces the concept of observational bias in research.

The Hawthorne Works Experiment

• Elton Mayo conducted an experiment at the Hawthorne Works factory in the late 1920s.

• He split the factory staff into a control group and an experimental group.

• Mayo made various changes to the working environment for the experimental group.

• The changes seemed to increase productivity and decrease absenteeism.

Discovering the Influence of Observation

• Mayo realized that it was his observation of the workers that led to increased productivity.

• This finding became known as the Hawthorne Effect.

• Researchers became more aware of how their presence could influence their findings.

Subjectivity and Interpretative Sociology

This section explores subjectivity in sociology and introduces interpretative sociology as an alternative approach that focuses on understanding subjective experiences and meanings.

Subjectivity vs Objectivity

• Not all social facts can be applied universally; truth is not always objective.

• Sociologists still find subjective experiences valid and worth studying, even if they cannot generalize them as objective truths.

Interpretative Sociology

• Interpretative sociology focuses on understanding meanings people attach to their social world.

• It aims to see the world from the perspective of subjects rather than relying solely on quantitative data.

• Interviews and face-to-face interactions are commonly used methods in interpretative sociology.

Value-driven Research and Critical Sociology

This section discusses value-driven research, where researchers are motivated by personal values, and introduces critical sociology as a study focused on social change.

Values in Research

• Values play a role in sociological research, as researchers may be driven by moral or political questions.

• Value-driven research challenges the idea of value-free research.

Critical Sociology

• Critical sociology emphasizes the need for social change.

• It originated in the 19th century with figures like Jane Addams, who researched poverty and advocated for solutions.

Conclusion

This section concludes the video by summarizing the main points discussed and hints at future topics to be covered in the series.

Recap

• The video explored positivist sociology, interpretative sociology, and critical sociology as different approaches to studying society.

• Positivist sociology relies on empirical evidence, while interpretative sociology focuses on subjective experiences and meanings.

• Critical sociology emphasizes social change and is driven by personal values.

Next Steps

• The next video will delve into how sociologists conduct their research.

Timestamps are provided for each section.