Scientific Method and Social Inquiry
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Questions and Answers

Why should one be cautious when accepting knowledge from sociological authorities?

  • Their authority is undisputed and unquestionable.
  • They may have biases that influence their perspectives. (correct)
  • They are the only source of valid information.
  • They always provide accurate information.

    • What is the primary goal mentioned for developing critical thinking skills?

  • To depend on sociological authorities.
  • To fully rely on tradition.
  • To accept consensus as truth.
  • To enhance personal judgment. (correct)

    • What is considered a drawback of relying on tradition for knowledge?

  • Tradition is a reliable source of historical perspective.
  • Tradition guarantees moral values are upheld.
  • Traditions can sometimes be outdated or harmful. (correct)
  • Tradition is often based on collective consent.

    • How is learning from tradition characterized in the content?

    <p>As an authority of those who came before us. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does consensus knowledge depend on?

    <p>What a majority of people believe. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What misconception could arise from relying solely on tradition?

    <p>One might think traditions are always correct. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which example illustrates a problematic outcome of relying on tradition?

    <p>Gender restrictions in education. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important for social scientists to challenge traditional beliefs?

    <p>Traditions can be questioned based on new evidence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason casual observation can lead to incorrect conclusions?

    <p>It is based on anecdotal evidence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the concept of falsifiability in scientific research?

    <p>An explanation must be able to be tested for its falsehood. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception about the nature of scientific knowledge?

    <p>Scientific knowledge is always absolute and unquestionable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does science primarily differ from ordinary knowing?

    <p>It employs systematic observation and experimental methods. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential issue when individuals observe common traits among people who divorce?

    <p>They may conclude causation without evidence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best defines 'scientific method'?

    <p>A procedure of inquiry that includes observation, experimentation, and modification. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of the scientific method, why is a theory that connects poverty to crime important?

    <p>It can be examined to determine its validity or falsity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can confirmation bias lead to during an observation?

    <p>Ignoring evidence that supports alternative explanations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential problem with relying solely on authority for knowledge?

    <p>Authorities may not always have the correct information. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an example of learning from authority?

    <p>Conducting a scientific experiment to test a hypothesis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the relationship between the scientific method and learning from authority?

    <p>Both the scientific method and learning from authority can contribute to knowledge, but each has limitations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term “argument from authority” in the context of learning from authority?

    <p>Accepting information as true simply because it is presented by a recognized expert. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is learning from authority relevant to the study of social science?

    <p>Understanding the ideas of influential social thinkers is essential for social science research. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential benefit of learning from authority, despite its limitations?

    <p>It can provide a foundation for further inquiry and critical thinking. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Thalidomide

    A drug linked to severe birth defects when used by pregnant women.

    Sociological Authorities

    Experts or institutions that provide sociological knowledge.

    Critical Thinking

    The ability to analyze and evaluate an issue to form a reasoned judgment.

    Tradition

    A way of knowing based on customs and practices passed down through generations.

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    Drawbacks of Tradition

    The potential negative consequences of relying solely on tradition for knowledge.

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    Learning from Consensus

    Gaining knowledge by understanding what most people believe.

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    Sociological Traditions

    Historical frameworks or schools of thought in sociology, such as Marxian or Weberian.

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    Criteria for Truth in Sociology

    Standards that must be met to accept a statement as true in social sciences.

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    Scientific Method

    A systematic method to learn about the world and investigate social phenomena.

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    Ordinary Knowing

    A way of understanding the world based on everyday experiences, not scientific evidence.

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    Learning from Authority

    Accepting information as true because it comes from an expert or a recognized source.

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    Argument from Authority

    A claim that something is true because an expert says it is.

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    Speculation and Logical Analysis

    A form of ordinary knowing that involves forming ideas based on reasoning.

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    Experts as Authority

    People with specialized knowledge whom others rely on for information or guidance.

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    Risks of Authority

    The potential problems that arise from relying too heavily on authorities for knowledge.

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    Examples of Authority

    Various figures we rely on for knowledge, like parents, doctors, and psychologists.

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    Consensus

    General agreement or belief among a group.

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    Casual Observation

    Informal and non-systematic observation of phenomena.

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    Sampling Issue

    Not having a representative group in observations.

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    Confirmation Bias

    Ignoring conflicting data that does not support a belief.

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    Science

    A body of knowledge and a method for gaining knowledge.

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    Falsifiability

    The ability to test an explanation and prove it false.

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    Theoretical Example

    Using hypothetical scenarios to demonstrate a concept.

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    Study Notes

    Course Theme

    • The main theme of the course is how the scientific method can be used to investigate social phenomena.
    • The scientific method is a way of knowing and a method to learn about the world.

    Other Ways of Knowing

    • Science is not the only way to learn about the social world.
    • There is also "ordinary human inquiry" or "ordinary knowing."
    • This involves daily knowledge gained through various means.

    Types of Ordinary Knowing

    • One type of ordinary knowing is speculation and logical analysis.
    • A second type is learning from an authority.

    Authority as a Way of Knowing

    • Learning through authority involves accepting something as true if the source is an authority figure.
    • Experts, such as parents, medical doctors, and professionals in various fields, serve as authorities.
    • Young children often rely on their parents.
    • Following a medical doctor's advice is another example.
    • Social scientists sometimes rely on authorities, for example, when referencing Marx, Weber, or Dorothy Smith.

    Problems with Learning from Authority

    • Authorities can be wrong.
    • Just because an authority says something, it doesn't automatically mean it's true.
    • An example is the use of Thalidomide.
    • Sociological authorities can also make mistakes.
    • We should not accept something as true just because a sociological authority claims it.

    Tradition as a Way of Knowing

    • Tradition is a special kind of authority, originating from those who came before us.
    • The logic of learning from tradition is that something valued and believed for a long time must be important.
    • We may accept something as true or useful because others have believed it for a long time.
    • Examples include family traditions (e.g., Thanksgiving).
    • Many morals and values are learned through tradition.
    • Sociological traditions (e.g., Marxian, Weberian, Feminist traditions) are also considered.

    Problems with Tradition

    • Traditional ways of knowing have limitations.
    • Past traditions that seem ridiculous or cruel (e.g., only men attending university, slavery, child labor) demonstrates the potential for tradition to be flawed.
    • We must be careful when relying on tradition.
    • Even sociological traditions can be problematic.

    Consensus as a Way of Knowing

    • We gain knowledge by finding out what most people think about a matter.
    • There can be consensus on certain social science issues (e.g., Canada is a class-divided society.)
    • However, consensus doesn't automatically mean something is true.

    Casual Observation

    • In causal observation, we make observations on a topic of interest, without a set plan or process.
    • For example, we might observe people who have divorced to understand the causes of divorce.
    • We must understand the potential limitations of this method, including sloppy observations, atypical samples, and confirmation bias. (the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs).

    Science as a Method of Knowing

    • Science is based on the idea that explanations are falsifiable (testable.)
    • We can go out and gather evidence to determine if an idea is false, if it's not, then it's not scientific.
    • Examples of falsifiable theories include the theory positing that crime is caused by poverty.
    • Non-falsifiable theories, include the theory that crime is caused by subconscious urges. Tautologies, statements that are true by definition, cannot be falsified. (e.g,"If you don't lose your hair, you won't go bald").

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    Description

    This quiz explores the application of the scientific method in understanding social phenomena and contrasts it with other ways of knowing. It examines how ordinary knowing and authority influence our understanding of the social world. Test your knowledge on these concepts and their implications for social science.

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