Many people don’t think sociology is a real science. They think that due to the unpredictable behavior of society, you can’t fully understand and study it. Nicole Sweeney is back to explain why it is.
The Scientific Theory Is Rooted in the Philosophy Known as Positivism
Positivism isn’t talking about optimism. Positive theory is objective and fact-based. The opposite of this is a normative theory, which is subjective and value-based. Positivism states that things can be studied through direct observation, and these observations can be pulled together into theories or facts that help us understand how the world works.
Positive Sociology
This is the first type of sociological inquiry. It is the study of society based on systematic observations of social behavior. The objectivity of research is important. Scientist must set aside their values and biases in order to properly collect accurate data. In positive sociology, two types of data are used to establish theories: quantitative and qualitative.
Quantitative data are things that are measurable. For example, determining median household income would require quantitative data in the form of household income.
Qualitative data comes from things that can’t be measured. This form of data typically comes from things like interviews and questionnaires.
These two types of data are great, but not everything you want to know about society is going to fit into observable, measurable categories.
Interpretive Sociology
This type of scientific analysis focuses on the meanings people attach to their social world. This involves a lot more subjective data, which isn’t measurable or consistent. Instead of formulating theories based on empirical data, using this approach makes you ask why people do certain things or give meaning to things. Sociologists that use this approach often use interviews and one-on-one discussions to formulate theories.
Critical Sociology
This is the study of society that focuses on the need for social change. This school of thought leads sociologists to normative theories. It involves a lot of subjectivity. It is also based on values rather than data. In this approach, you don’t have to set aside your own personal thoughts, biases, and opinions as you do in the first two.
By using positive sociology, interpretive sociology, and critical sociology, you can learn a lot about society. All of these approaches require different forms of the scientific method. They help sociologists formulate both normative and positive sociological theories.
