Sociology: Path to Scientific Knowledge

Sociology Different paths of knowledge production: Different ways of gaining knowledge Scientific knowledge is the most powerful Personal experience: Source of knowledge (ex: based on experience) Common sense: Prior learning( wearing cloth,) Tradition: One gen to another generation ( like ancient practices: for example weddings), tradition has power and could be punished if not followed. Media and professions: Some information sources are sometimes considered more valid. Common errors shared by non-scientist producers of knowledge: Imprecise Observation: limited ability to recall info Overgeneralization: being late in class Selective Observation: Premature Closure (course satisfaction) Illogical reasoning(chess) Scientific knowledge 1) Research conducted2) .3) . Social sciences Natural Sciences Society Physical nature

Social Science History Psychology Political Science Economics Sociology and Sociological knowledge Sociology is science Follows organized procedures Goals of scientific research in sociology Explanatory research is conducted to clarify the variation between groups Descriptive research is conducted to establish the main traits or features of a population [Ex. AreCanadians proud of Canada?] -Main goals can be summarized as Social issues Does sociology fully explain human experience? If all humans are knowledgeable researchers, is it correct to conclude that they are all sociologists too? -My own experience - Own experience