Discussion

Discussion

by Md. Fouad Hossain Sarker -
Number of replies: 3

Why do we define social research as a science? 

In reply to Md. Fouad Hossain Sarker

Re: Discussion

by Haris Muhammad Bhuyan -
Social research is defined as a science due to its adherence to scientific principles and methodologies in the systematic study of social phenomena. Several reasons support this classification:
1. Systematic approaches are used in social research to formulate study questions, gather information, and analyze results.
2. Like natural sciences, social research depend on on experiential observation and evidence-based analysis.
3. Social research involves the development and testing of theoretical frameworks to explain and understand social phenomena.
4. The goal of social science research is to generate conclusions that can be applied to broader situations or situations.
5. Social research contributes to the accumulation of knowledge over time, as findings from multiple studies build upon and refine existing theories and concepts.
By implementation scientific principles and methodologies, social research enhances its accuracy, objectivity, and utility in addressing complex social issues and informing evidence-based policies and interventions.
In reply to Md. Fouad Hossain Sarker

Re: Discussion

by Sheik Johirul Hoque -
The social research, due to its systematic, empirical approach to understand social phenomena and generating knowledge, is defined as science. Here are several key reasons why social research is considered a science:

1. Systematic process: Social research follows systematic approach to inquiry that involves formulating hypothesis, designing studies, collecting data, analyzing results and drawing the conclusions.

2. Structured process: Social research follows a logical and structured process, facilitating the accumulation of knowledge which helps the advancment of understanding.

3. Empirical observation: Social research does not rely on subjective observation rather it involves gathering data through systematic and objective methods.

4. Replicability: Social research produces findings that are replicable as it directly involves real data from the field and researchers can independently replicate the study and obtain similar results.

5. Objectivity: Social research involves rigorous peer review and blinding, ramdomization, etc. techniques to eliminate bias and subjective influences in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data.

6. Cause and effect analysis: Social research allows aims to identify the causes of a social problems and analys their effect and establish the relationship between them.

7. Generalizability: Social research generates result that maybe generalizable in many cases beyond the specific conditions of the study, allowing for the application of knowledge to broader populations, contexts, or phenomena.

8. Provisional: The results of a social research are open and with arguments and more peer reviewed analysis, the social research results can be modified to develop new knowledge.

There are some other evidence or reason that clearly proves that social research falls under science and hence it is also called a scienfic research that contributes to the advancment of understanding about human behavior, social interactions, institutions, and societies.
In reply to Md. Fouad Hossain Sarker

Re: Discussion

by N. A. Nazmul Haque -
Social research is defined as a science for several reasons:
1. Systematic Inquiry: Like other scientific disciplines, social research involves a systematic and methodical approach to investigating phenomena. Researchers formulate hypotheses, design studies, collect data, and analyze findings in a structured manner.
2. Empirical Evidence: Social research relies on empirical evidence derived from observations and experiments. This evidence is used to support or refute hypotheses and theories about human behavior, society, and culture.
3. Objectivity: While complete objectivity may be difficult to achieve, social researchers strive to minimize bias and subjectivity in their studies. They use rigorous methodologies and statistical techniques to ensure the reliability and validity of their findings.
4. Reproducibility: Scientific research, including social research, should ideally be reproducible. This means that other researchers should be able to replicate the study and obtain similar results, which helps establish the reliability of the findings.
5. Theoretical Frameworks: Social research is often grounded in theoretical frameworks that guide the research process and help interpret the results. These theories provide explanations for observed phenomena and contribute to the accumulation of knowledge in the field.
6. Generalizability: Social research aims to produce findings that can be generalized beyond the specific individuals or groups studied. Through careful sampling and statistical analysis, researchers seek to draw conclusions that apply to broader populations or contexts.
7. Cumulative Knowledge: Like any scientific endeavor, social research contributes to the accumulation of knowledge over time. New studies build upon existing research, refining theories, challenging assumptions, and expanding our understanding of human behavior and society.

Scientific principles and methodologies, social research enhances its accuracy and utility in addressing complex social issues  informing evidence-based policies and interventions.