How is social science different from a natural science?
A) Social science studies objects that are self-aware (i.e., humans).
B) Social science studies objects (i.e., humans) whose behaviors cannot be influenced by being observed by researchers.
C) Social science cannot be systematic.
D) Social science cannot conduct empirical studies.
E) Social science cannot quantify human behavior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social science focuses on the study of human behavior and interactions, while natural science focuses on the study of the natural world. Human beings are self-aware, and therefore require a different set of research methods and theories in order to be understood.

Answer: B
 In social science, researchers cannot manipulate or control their subjects in the same way that natural scientists can with non-human objects. As a result, social science research relies heavily on observation and interpretation of naturally-occurring behaviors.

Answer: C
 Social science can be just as systematic as natural science, but the nature of the topics being studied often requires more complex or sophisticated research methods in order to ensure valid and reliable results.

Answer: None of the above
 Both social science and natural science conduct empirical studies and can quantify human behavior (although social science may use different metrics and techniques than natural science).

How Is Social Science Different from a Natural Science