3.2.8.1 The Debate Over Sociology as a Science

• Sociologists always achieve complete objectivity in their research.

  False
• Sociologists can avoid subjectivity entirely in their research.

  False
• What research method is used for systematic observation in sociology?

  Empirical research methods
• What is the positivist perspective in sociology?

  Objectivity and value-free research
• Why is it difficult to replicate sociological studies?

  Social phenomena change constantly
• What type of data is emphasized in positivist research?

  Quantitative data
• What is the interpretivist perspective's view of social reality?

  Subjective and socially constructed
• Systematic observation in sociology involves the use of empirical research methods
• What type of data does positivist research rely on?

  Quantitative data
• The interpretivist perspective views social reality as subjective
• The positivist approach uses empirical research methods for systematic observation
• Match the perspective with its view on sociology as a science:

  Positivist ↔️ Sees sociology as a true science

  Interpretivist ↔️ Rejects universal laws in sociology
• Interpretivists believe sociologists should focus on contextual and interpretive understanding


  True
• The complexity of human social behavior makes it challenging to achieve the same level of predictability and control
• Match the argument in favor of sociology as a science with its counter-argument:

  Systematic Observation ↔️ Complexity of Human Behavior

  Formulation of Hypotheses ↔️ Subjectivity

  Testing of Hypotheses ↔️ Lack of Consensus

  Objectivity ↔️ Difficulty in Replication
• Sociologists strive for objectivity to avoid personal biases
• Positivists believe sociologists should remain impartial in their research.


  True
• The positivist perspective views sociology as a science
• Positivists seek to identify causal relationships and universal laws
• Verstehen in interpretivism aims to achieve empathetic understanding of subjective experiences
• What does the interpretivist approach emphasize about social behavior?

  Complexity and diversity
• The complexity of human behavior is a key argument against sociology as a true science.


  True
• Interpretivism emphasizes understanding the meanings individuals attach to their actions.


  True
• Verstehen involves achieving empathetic understanding of subjective experiences

  True
• What does the positivist perspective emphasize in sociology?

  Empirical observation and hypothesis testing
• Why is sociology considered a social science?

  Uses scientific methods
• What is one argument against sociology as a science?

  Complexity of human behavior
• Arrange the arguments against sociology as a science in order of relevance:

  1️⃣ Complexity of Human Behavior

  2️⃣ Subjectivity

  3️⃣ Lack of Consensus

  4️⃣ Difficulty in Replication
• Positivists emphasize the use of empirical observation and quantitative data
• Objectivity in positivist research requires sociologists to avoid personal biases.


  True
• Critics of positivism argue that human social behavior is too complex for predictability.


  True
• Interpretivists reject the idea of universal laws in sociology.

  True
• Why is sociology considered a social science?

  It uses scientific methods
• Match the argument with its category:

  Systematic Observation ↔️ In favor of sociology as a science

  Complexity of Human Behavior ↔️ Against sociology as a science
• What are the strengths of the positivist approach in sociology?

  Systematic observation, hypothesis testing
• What does anti-positivism emphasize in sociological research?

  Contextual and interpretive understanding
• Interpretivists reject universal laws and causal explanations in sociology

  True
• Interpretivists argue that the complexity of human behavior cannot be captured by rigid methods