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

Instructors

Morgan Thompson

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Mon, Wed 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. Rarely is the story so clean.

Social scientists often study social phenomena that must be defined according to some set of 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. Climate scientists must decide how to communicate the predictions of their models to policy makers and the public.

In this course, we will evaluate methods such as economic models of decision-making, indicators and indexes, integrated assessment models of the Earth's climate, causal analysis of social data, and machine learning models. In each case, we will assess to what extent these methods help us provide knowledge about our social world.

Learning Objectives

• Develop capacity for critical evaluation of scientific methods for investigating aspects of the social world including their strengths and limitations.
• Apply theoretical concepts (value-neutrality, impartiality, falsifiability, idealization, objectivity, standardization, inductive risk) and evidential reasoning to specific cases of social scientific research on well-being, climate science, economic models with informational asymmetry, democracy, and racial discrimination. • Creatively apply theoretical concepts and evidential reasoning to novel cases.
• Clearly and persuasively communicate both empirical and logical arguments through writing and presentation.
• Provide reasons for one's interpretations or positions and to anticipate objections.

Class Materials (Required)

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

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration restricted to Undergraduate students only