Discuss the connection between sociology and scientific evidence by comparing the normative approach with the empirical approach

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Sociology involves debunking—the unmasking of fallacies (false or mistaken ideas or opinions) in the everyday and official interpretation of society. When answering societal questions, sociologists use either the normative approach or the empirical approach.

The normative approach uses religion, customs, habits, traditions, and law to answer important questions. It is based on strong beliefs about what is right and wrong and what "ought to be" in society. The empirical approach attempts to answer questions through systematic collection and analyses of data. This approach is referred to as the conventional model, or the "scientific method," and is based on the assumption that knowledge is best gained by direct, systematic observation. Most sociologists believe that two basic scientific standards must be met: (1) scientific beliefs should be supported by good evidence or information and (2) these beliefs should be open to public debate and critiques from other scholars, with alternative interpretations being considered. Sociologists typically use two types of empirical studies: descriptive and explanatory. Descriptive studies attempt to describe social reality or provide facts about some group, practice, or event.

Studies of this type are designed to find out what is happening to whom, where, and when. By contrast, explanatory studies attempt to explain cause-and-effect relationships and to provide information on why certain events do or do not occur. Sociologists engage in theorizing and conducting research in order to describe, explain, and sometimes predict how and why people will act in certain situations.