A brief note on the scientific methods and scientism (information from perplexity.ai)
My question 1: "Highlight 5 ideas on the scientific methods and 3 ideas on scientism with reference to social science. And then suggest 4 limitations of solely relying on the scientific methods and scientism in the context of doing MBA and Housing Studies dissertation projects."
The reply: "Here are key ideas and limitations on scientific methods and scientism in social science, relevant to MBA and Housing Studies dissertation projects.
Five Ideas on Scientific Methods in Social Science
The scientific method in social science involves systematic steps starting from a research question, hypothesis formation, empirical testing, drawing conclusions, and evaluation to better understand human behavior.
It emphasizes empirical research based on observations and measurements using approaches like descriptive, experimental, or correlational research to study social phenomena.
Scientific methods in social sciences aim to provide objective, critical, skeptical, and logical analyses through systematic observation and data collection to explain social practices and human behavior.
These methods impose boundaries and parameters that organize and focus studies, helping to make research results more reliable and replicable.
However, social science concepts often face challenges in precise measurement and universal applicability compared to natural sciences, thus requiring careful operational definitions.
Three Ideas on Scientism in Social Science
Scientism in social science is the belief that the empirical and quantitative methods of natural sciences can fully explain human and social behaviors, often assuming value neutrality and objectivity.
It tends to overlook human values, ethics, power, and purpose by relegating them outside the scientific inquiry, which may limit understanding of complex social realities.
Critics argue scientism removes the “voice” and agency of social objects under study by imposing a one-size-fits-all scientific model that may not accommodate the unique nature of social phenomena.
Four Limitations of Solely Relying on Scientific Methods and Scientism in MBA and Housing Studies Dissertation Projects
The complexity and subjectivity of social phenomena often resist full objectivity, making purely scientific methods reductionist and potentially distorting of human behavior and social context.
Measurement difficulties arise from imprecise or contested concepts in social sciences, limiting the applicability of standardized scientific metrics that work well in natural sciences.
Scientism's emphasis on methodological monism ignores important ethical, cultural, and value-based dimensions critical to understanding social issues in MBA and Housing contexts.
Overreliance on scientific methods may overlook qualitative insights and interpretative understanding essential for nuanced topics like career planning, housing conditions, or organizational behavior studied in these fields.
These points suggest a balanced approach combining scientific rigor with recognition of social complexities and values is essential in MBA and Housing Studies research projects."
My question 2: "Provide a brief account on the evolution of the thinking on scientific methods and scientism, notably with reference to social science."
The reply: "The evolution of thinking on scientific methods and scientism in social science has been complex and marked by ongoing debates.
Evolution of Scientific Methods Thinking
The scientific method, with roots in the 17th-century rise of experimental science, originated as a systematic sequence of observation, hypothesis, testing, and confirmation aimed at producing reliable, reproducible knowledge mainly in natural sciences. Over time, social scientists adopted these methods to study society, emphasizing empirical research and hypothesis testing. However, social sciences faced unique challenges, such as the complexity of human behavior and the difficulty in measuring social phenomena as precisely as natural phenomena.
Social sciences have also engaged with evolutionary and historical perspectives, initially influenced by biological metaphors of social evolution common among early sociologists and anthropologists. However, simplistic ideas like unilinear social progress or genetic bases for social behavior were later discredited due to their inadequacy and ethical issues. Contemporary approaches reflect more sophisticated views that incorporate network theory, coevolution, and the interplay of multiple levels of social organization, moving toward a richer, dynamic understanding of social phenomena.
Evolution of Scientism Thinking
Scientism—defined as the belief that natural science methods should be applied exclusively to social sciences—was initially embraced by some as a way to legitimize social sciences. Early enthusiasm matched the success of natural sciences with a hope that social phenomena could be studied with similar objectivity and precision. Over time, criticism emerged regarding scientism’s limits, especially its neglect of subjective experiences, ethics, values, and cultural contexts in human behavior. Presently, many scholars caution against scientism’s reductionism and encourage pluralistic methodologies that combine scientific methods with interpretative and critical insights suitable for social complexity.
Summary
The thinking on scientific methods in social science evolved from a direct borrowing of natural science approaches toward specialized adaptations for the social realm, addressing measurement and contextual challenges. Meanwhile, scientism evolved from a dominant paradigm advocating strict methodological naturalism to a contested stance with significant critiques emphasizing the importance of human values and interpretive understanding. This evolution reflects the growing sophistication and self-awareness in social science research.
This historical and conceptual evolution helps frame current debates on how best to conduct research in complex social domains such as MBA and Housing Studies, where both rigorous scientific inquiry and an understanding of human and social dimensions are vital."
A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.
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