Sociology

Sociology has been able to claim the label of a science by demonstrating, over a long period of time, the sane traits that have generally characterized various sciences. These, according to Gwarinda (1993), include the following:

a)  Systematicness

A scientific method of investigation has to be systematic. This refers to logical sequence or steps that lead to logical or justifiable conclusions. This means that   the results of such investigations must be valid. Sociology emphasizes reliance on verifiable evidence.

b)  Objectivity

Scientific methods employ ways of investigation that reveal things as they really are. This means that the investigator is able to put aside personal feelings, biases, prejudices and emotions when studying a phenomenon. Objectivity is emphasized in all sociological studies.

c)  Empiricism

One characteristic of a scientific method is creating knowledge through observation  or experiment rather than mere postulation which is not based oil facts. An empirical study focuses on the collection of data (pieces of information) which are then used to explain a phenomenon. What sociologists do is to collect data which  may prove or disprove a theory or use the data to generate new theories. The same data may lead to different theories in explaining; a phenomenon, a very common, occurrence in any science.

Like all scientists, sociologists gain their knowledge by doing re-search. Their methods, however, differ from those of most other scientists. These, methods are classified as either quantitative: using numerical data; or qualitative: relying on narrative and descriptive data. Quantitative research is  usually conducted through  the use of surveys and pre-collected data, while field research is the method most commonly used in qualitative research. Scientists use a research method known as  the scientific method. They identify a problem, formulate a hypothesis, conduct research, collect and analyze data and state their findings and conclusions. Researchers have an ethical obligation to protect participants' privacy acid to avoid deceiving or harming them.

d)  Replicability and Transmutability

In science, one research after another can investigate the same phenomenon in the same way leading to the same explanation and prediction thus enabling the acquired knowledge to be passed on to others (Bless and Achola,19880). Replicability is however only possible under the same prevailing conditions. This also applies to Sociology.

e)  Reductivity

Scientific methods have the ability to reveal the essential from the trivial, necessity from chance, fundamentals from irrelevancies. Through this principle, sound generalizations or laws can be formulated, thus building up the body of knowledge   in a discipline. Sociological analyses have been used to reveal fundamentals from irrelevancies. Issues like causes of drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and abortion have been analyzed from a sociological perspective.

f)  Causation

Scientists assume that an event occurs for a reason, a concept known as causation, and that all events have causes. When they conduct studies, scientists identify variables to investigate and look for correlations of how things relate to one another. Three standards are used to determine causal relationships: two variables must be correlated, all other possible factors must be taken into account, and a change in the independent variable must occur before a change in the dependent variable can occur. The concept of causation is applicable in sociological studies.

Sociology is therefore a science since it meets all these criteria for the scientific methods.