Scientific Method in the Social Sciences (355-0-20)

Instructors

Morgan Kelsey Thompson

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-420: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

Science is often considered a value-free enterprise. Scientists work in labs following the scientific method and provide society with relevant scientific facts. Policymakers then decide, based on their values, how to act on these facts. However, this picture does not fit the social sciences. Social scientists study social phenomena that seem to be defined according to particular social values. Well-being is something that is good for you, divorce is bad for you. Economists use models that make unrealistic assumptions about human behavior, yet still predict market outcomes. International indicators assess which countries have the most gendered violence, but key types of violence are left out so that more countries will report their data. Climate scientists must decide how to communicate their climate predictions (including their likelihood and the severity of their consequences) to policy makers and the public. In this course, we will evaluate methods such as economic games, sociological indicators, idealized economic models, self-report surveys, causal analysis of big data, and generative AI. In each case, we will assess to what extent these methods help us provide knowledge about our social world.

Class Materials (Required)

All class materials will be available on Canvas at NO cost to the student.

Class Notes

Final Paper

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration for Philosophy and Science in Human Culture Majors and Minors