Week 2 Discussion – JP Martin
John-Patrick Martin
Research within the social sciences, and research in general, can be considered “scientific” in several ways. While the social sciences differ from the natural sciences in terms of the subject matter and research methods, they still follow scientific principles such as systematic observation, hypothesis testing, data collection, and analysis.
Social scientists strive to gather empirical evidence, use rigorous methods, and apply systematic approaches to studying human behavior, societies, and social phenomena. However, it is important to acknowledge that the social sciences often deal with complex and dynamic human interactions, making it challenging to achieve the same level of control and predictability as in the natural sciences. Nonetheless, social science research contributes valuable insights and knowledge to our understanding of society and human behavior.
Scientific research is conducted by gathering empirical evidence through systematic and objective methods. It strives to maintain impartiality and transparency, inviting scrutiny and contributing to the knowledge pool of a specific field of study. Furthermore, scientific research is an ongoing process that builds upon previous, repeatable findings and allows for self-correction as new information emerges (Clauser 2008).
Conducting scientific research is not without its fair share of obstacles. Researchers often grapple with the intricate complexities of the natural world, the arduous task of gathering reliable data, and the constraints of time and resources. Additionally, ethics pose many challenges that are faced by the scientific community. Some of which include the welfare of human subjects and the safety and protection of the surrounding environment (Kelty n.d.). However, despite these hurdles, scientific research remains an indispensable catalyst for innovation and societal advancement.
References
Clauser, J. 2008. “Types of inquiry and the nature of proof”. In An Introduction to Intelligence Research and Analysis.Edited by Jan Goldman. 38-50. Lanham, MD: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
Kelty, Miriam. n.d. “Ethical Challenges”. e-Source: Behavioral & Social Sciences Research. Accessed July 8, 2024. http://www.esourceresearch.org/eSourceBook/DesignDecisionsinResearch/1LearningObjectives/tabid/662/Default.aspx.
