SSGS 500 Week 2 Discussion: Conceptual Framework

Step-By-Step Guide on SSGS 500 Week 2 Discussion: Conceptual Framework

Introduction to SSGS 500 Week Two Discussion

The SSGS 500 Week 2 Discussion: Conceptual Framework Discussion explores the degree to which research in the social sciences can be considered “scientific.” It delves into the meaning of “scientific” in the context of social science research and identifies the challenges faced when conducting such research. This Owlisdom How-To Guide will provide students with step-by-step instructions on addressing these critical questions, emphasising the importance of a systematic approach and applying scientific principles in social science research.

To what degree can research within social science be considered “scientific?”  

Understanding Scientific Research in Social Sciences

To start the SSGS 500 Week 2 Discussion: Conceptual Framework, we will understand the basics of scientific research in social science.

• Start by defining what constitutes research in the social sciences. This involves studying human behaviour, societal trends, and cultural phenomena. 
• Discuss the interdisciplinary nature of social sciences, which often borrows methodologies from both natural sciences and humanities.
• Outline the criteria that make research “scientific.” Highlight critical attributes such as falsifiability, reproducibility, empirical testing, and peer review. 
• Emphasise the need for a structured methodology and objective analysis.

Example

In grasping the scientific essence of research in social sciences, it’s essential to underscore its interdisciplinary nature. Social science research, a field that delves into human behaviour, societal trends, and cultural phenomena, is a unique blend of methodologies from natural sciences, such as controlled experiments and statistical analysis, and from the humanities, such as qualitative analysis and ethnography (Sidharth, 2023).

Research in social sciences can be considered “scientific” to the extent that it adheres to specific criteria (Icarbord et al., 2020). Key attributes include falsifiability, where hypotheses can be disproven; reproducibility, allowing other researchers to replicate studies; empirical testing, involving systematic observation or experimentation; and peer review, ensuring the research is scrutinised by experts. A structured methodology and objective analysis are essential to achieving scientific rigour in social science research.

What does a line of research mean to be “scientific?” 

Characteristics of Scientific Research

Next, in SSGS 500 Week 2 Discussion: Conceptual Framework. We will explore the characteristics of scientific research.

• Explain the importance of objectivity, where personal biases are minimised. 
• Discuss replicability, which allows other researchers to duplicate studies to verify results. Provide examples of how these principles are applied in social science research.
• Detail the systematic nature of scientific research, which involves hypothesis formulation, data collection, and analysis. 
• Describe how social scientists use structured methods like surveys, experiments, and longitudinal studies to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Stress the reliance on empirical evidence gathered through observation or experimentation. 
• Explain the significance of data-driven conclusions and the use of statistical analysis to validate findings.

Example

For a research line to be deemed ‘scientific’ in social sciences, it must embody objectivity, a critical factor in minimising personal biases. Equally crucial is replicability, which allows researchers to duplicate studies and verify results, thereby reinforcing the reliability of the research. In social science research, replicability is often achieved through the use of standardised survey instruments or consistent experimental protocols (Icarbord et al., 2020).

Scientific research is systematic and involves hypothesis formulation, data collection, and analysis. Social scientists employ structured methods like surveys, experiments, and longitudinal studies to maintain consistency and accuracy. Reliance on empirical evidence is paramount, as conclusions are drawn from observed or experimental data (Sidharth, 2023). Data-driven conclusions, supported by statistical analysis, validate research findings and enhance credibility.

Undertaking scientific research in social sciences is not without its challenges. The inherent subjectivity in studying human behaviour can introduce biases. Strategies such as double-masked studies and diverse sampling are employed to counter this. Ethical considerations are also paramount, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant confidentiality, and avoiding harm. Adhering to ethical guidelines and institutional review boards (IRBs) is crucial to the research process.

What are some of the challenges that coincide with carrying out scientific research? 

Challenges in Scientific Research within Social Sciences

For this section of the SSGS 500 Week 2 Discussion: Conceptual Framework, we will explore the challenges in scientific research in the social sciences.

• Discuss the inherent subjectivity in studying human behaviour and the potential for bias. 
• Offer strategies to mitigate these issues, such as employing double-masked studies and using diverse samples.
• Highlight the ethical challenges, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant confidentiality, and avoiding harm. 
• Mention the importance of adhering to ethical guidelines and institutional review boards (IRBs).
• Address human behaviour’s complexity and variability, making it difficult to control variables and establish causality. 
• Discuss using mixed methods and triangulation to enhance the robustness of research findings.

Example

Human behaviour’s complexity and variability complicate controlling variables and establishing causality (Icarbord et al., 2020). To address this, social scientists use mixed methods and triangulation, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to strengthen the robustness of research findings.

In conclusion, while social science research strives to meet scientific standards, it must navigate unique challenges. Researchers can produce rigorous and impactful studies that contribute to our understanding of social phenomena by emphasizing objectivity, replicability, systematic methods, and ethical considerations.

Closing

SSGS 500 Week 2 Discussion: Conceptual Framework discusses that scientific research in social sciences is a nuanced and complex endeavour. While it strives to meet the rigorous standards of scientific inquiry, it faces unique challenges due to the subjective and ethical dimensions involved. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for conducting robust and credible research. By adhering to scientific principles and ethical guidelines, social scientists can produce valuable insights into human behaviour and societal trends. This How-To Guide serves as a comprehensive roadmap for students to approach their assignment methodically, ensuring they produce insightful and scientifically sound responses. In the next module of  SSGS 500, we will explore the Week 2 Two Assignment on Research Question and Hypothesis.

References

Icarbord, T., Stefano, B., & Memory, M., Silas. (2020). Approaches and Processes of Social Science Research. IGI Global.

Sidharth, D. G. (2023). Research Designs for Contemporary Social Science Research: An Overview. 14(1).