Problems Encountered by Social Scientists

Natural scientists, such as astronomers and physicists, carry out research in order to uncover truths of the natural world. Social scientists, such as psychologists and sociologists, on the other hand attempt to uncover truths of the social world. They apply the scientific method of generating knowledge, which entails that research method must be based on testable empirical evidence, to the study of people within society. They often conduct social research in an attempt to measure the extent to which human behaviour influences, or is influenced by the environment. Moser (1992) defines social research as the “systematic investigation to gain new knowledge about social phenomena and problems.”

Social scientists, similar to natural scientists, aim to describe observable phenomena using scientific methods. However, social scientists consider social influences/forces, such as economic factors like supply and demand, in an attempt to establish patterns of social behaviour. Natural scientists disregard these factors, focusing only on phenomena which can be physically observed. Social research is susceptible to many problems which are absent in natural science research, as people are very complicated to study. Therefore, social scientists must be more be more aware of, and take greater care to minimise, research problems in order to ensure the generation of more accurate results, comparable to those obtained in natural science research.

One of the problems encountered by social scientists is that of ensuring objectivity in their research. Objectivity is the fundamental characteristic of natural science research and is characterised by solid facts with reference observable empirical evidence. In social science research, the idea of objecti...

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...ning would have been limited as a result. The generally accepted solution to this issue is that the ends (research findings) must justify the means (procedure used to obtain).

With regards to the problems faced by social scientists in social research, it is unlikely that it will ever be completely invulnerable to criticism. However, it is evident that we need social scientists, such as psychologists, in today’ western world when, for example, rates of mental illness (among women in particular) are one in every three. Perhaps the reasons for this strange phenomenon lie outside the realm of natural science and instead should be analysed in terms of social forces and structures, such as the industrialisation of modern society and the stemming developments, such as changing values and surroundings, which are equally important when attempting to derive valid conclusions.