Social Science_module 4 In General, Positivism Is Term Paper

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Social Science_Module 4

In general, positivism is an approach to a number of disciplines, social science among them. It holds that the best approach to the study and analysis (and therefore uncovering truth about humans) is a very empirical and scientific approach. For the positivist, the only true way to uncover the human condition is experience and positive verification. The positivist tends to believe that the only truths are those that are quantifiable (e.g. measurable) and have a basis in the five major points of the scientific method (hypothesis, question, research, analysis, conclusion). Social reality, then, is the measurable way humans work and interact with each other and the universe that is the same across all sciences with a goal of explaining and predicting by logical rules. The knowledge gained is testable -- research is proved not by philosophical arguments (as in many of the Green and Renaissance metaphysicians), but by observation only. Theory to practice must, as well, be related to a specific hypothesis. In social work research, there are a number of quantifiable hypothesis that might use the positivist approach; among which quantifying the efficacy of social programs to specific sets of goals and objectives (e.g. participation in program A, B or C.

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is most effective out outcome X, Y, or Z) (Engel and Schutt, 2009).

However, any student of sociology or anthropology knows that not all human behavior is quantifiable at all times. Critical theory, for instance, can also have a transformative effect with many of the answers that focus on the manner in which humans should live. The positivist approach is excellent in that it helps us examine external data that can be used in an objective fashion -- social trends, changes, etc. But this view needs proof, proof, and even more proof and focuses on the way things area (tactical) rather than anything intangible (or theoretical). Contrary to this is the interpretivist viewpoint (ISS), that tries to find out why things are happening in a particular societal or cultural setting. The subjective approach allows communication with the cultural background….....

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