SOCIOLOGY AS A FORM OF SCIENCE

                                          There are two opinions concerning whether we can regard sociology as a social science.One school argues that sociology can not be a science because it has to study social complexities,changeability and human sentiments.Another school views that the study of processes and cause and effect relationship can be done following scientific methods and proceduress thereby making it possible to develop socilogy as a science of society.Before discussing and debating whether sociology can or can not be science,it is first necessary to understand what science means.
                                                  Science basically means a systematic and objective study of research problem.It follows clar cut methods and procedures,there is adequate analysis of cause and effect relationship and conclusions can be generalized.Conclusions can be hypothetical and tested in science,The characteristics of science can be presented as follows;
1,Scientific method,Different methods of study come under this according to which accurate data can be collected.
2,Conceptually clear analysis/interpretation,cause and effect relationship between and among the variables adequacy of the process of measurement are adopted.
3,Reliability and authenticity of measurementcan be tested.
4,Based on facts.
5.Based on universal scienctific law and principles.
6,There is possiblities of making hypothesis and prediction.
7,Conclusions are generalized.
                                           Adopting this process,different sociological studies can be carried out.Use of this menthod makes study scientific.Ciscussing sociology in this context many reasons can forwards to show that sociolgical study is systematic and scientific.Scientific processes and methods are used in sociological study and research.
1,Problem is defined and literature is reviewed.
2,Hypothesis is built.
3,Many scientific  procedures are used observation,interview,questionnaire,comparative studies collection of primary data and their analysis.
4,Interpretation and analysis of the cause and effect relation of different variables and use of statistical measuring methods for comming to conclusions.
5,Truth and reliability is tested.
6,Predictions can be made by studying social phenomena,behavior and attitudes.
7,Conclusions of study can be generalized.