Question 1

Paul Feurabend argues that the correct methodology is no methodology.

Accepted Answer

Feurabend was a philosopher of science who argued for an epistemological anarchism, which rejected the idea that there is a single correct or objective methodology for science. Instead, he believed that there should be a plurality of methodologies, and that scientific progress is best achieved through the diversity of approaches and ideas.

Question 2

All expressions of human culture are unrelated and independent.

Accepted Answer

While certain aspects of various cultures may be unique to them, human culture as a whole is interconnected and influenced by various factors, such as history, geography, and migration. It is impossible for all cultural expressions to be completely unrelated and independent.

Question 3

There are only disadvantages to the social sciences being specialized.

Accepted Answer

While there may be some drawbacks to specialization in the social sciences, such as limited interdisciplinary perspectives, there are also many advantages, such as greater depth of knowledge in a particular area and the ability to contribute to a more diverse and complex body of research. Therefore, there are both advantages and disadvantages to specialization in the social sciences.

Question 4

The saga of Hans, the Thinking Horse is an example of why a good scientist must have both skepticism and imagination.

Accepted Answer

The saga of Hans, the Thinking Horse is a classic example of how skepticism and imagination are both necessary for good scientific inquiry. In this case, skeptical investigation ultimately revealed that Hans was not actually performing complex mathematical calculations, but was instead responding to subtle cues from his trainer. However, it was the imaginative hypothesis that Hans was capable of intelligent thought that sparked the investigation in the first place. Without a willingness to consider and explore this possibility, the truth about Hans's abilities may never have been discovered.

Question 5

Geography has practical applications related to trade patterns, settlement of populations, and aggression and acquisition.

Accepted Answer

Geography plays a crucial role in understanding trade patterns, settlement patterns, and the likelihood of aggression and territorial acquisition. For example, knowledge of natural resources such as waterways, minerals, and fertile lands can help countries determine their economic potential, while an understanding of terrain and natural barriers can impact where people choose to settle and how borders are established.

Question 6

The function of social science is primarily to determine social values and goals.

Accepted Answer

The primary function of social science is to study and understand social phenomena through empirical research and analysis, not to determine social values and goals. While social scientists may contribute to discussions of social values and goals, their role is more focused on providing knowledge and insights than on prescribing values and goals.

Question 7

Science offers final explanations of the universe and its phenomena.

Accepted Answer

Science can offer explanations of many phenomena in the universe, but it is always subject to revision and improvement as new evidence and information become available. It is possible that there may always be unknowns and mysteries that science cannot fully explain.

Question 8

During the Enlightenment people began to believe that society and culture are themselves the products of history and the evolution of culture. The Enlightenment is important in the origins of:
A) medieval science.
B) social science.
C) classical Greek philosophy.
D) the idea that civilization did not improve.

Accepted Answer

The Enlightenment was a crucial period in the development of social science, during which scholars began to apply scientific reasoning and methods to the study of society and culture. This led to the emergence of disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, and political science, which continue to have a profound influence on our understanding of human society today.

Question 9

New fields of social science are evolving such as cognitive science.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive science is a relatively new field of social science that explores the mental processes of perception, thinking, learning, and memory.

Question 10

Knowledge is made up of knowledge of human beings, including culture and products, and knowledge of the natural environment.

Accepted Answer

Knowledge is not just limited to one aspect, it encompasses knowledge of human beings including their culture and products, as well as knowledge related to the natural environment.

Question 11

Language is important in the communication of social scientific knowledge. Social scientists are aware that language:
A) should require layers of translation.
B) used in high theory must, of necessity, include specialty-specific jargon to enhance understanding.
C) embodies value judgments and preserves ways of looking at things.
D) used to convey brilliant ideas will be complex.

Accepted Answer

Language used in social science embodies value judgments and preserves ways of looking at things, which can impact the understanding and interpretation of knowledge.

Question 12

Sociology is the study of the ways in which men and women make a living.

Accepted Answer

Sociology is the study of human social behavior, interactions, and institutions. It includes the study of topics like culture, social stratification, inequality, deviance, and social change, but it is not specifically focused on how individuals make a living.

Question 13

Since its conception, social science has entwined two aspects. Sometimes it is simply trying to achieve a limited understanding of our place in the cosmos, and at other times it is trying to:
A) finalize an unlimited complete explanation of human total reality.
B) evolve into a theology of human behavior.
C) change society.
D) become a physical science.

Accepted Answer

While social science may aim to understand human behavior and the world around us, its primary goal is often to make positive changes in society.

Question 14

The Interdisciplinary Approach means:
A) there is no need for separate social sciences.
B) a group of scientists with different specialties work together on a common problem.
C) we will never need a unified social science.
D) all problems can be solved quickly.

Accepted Answer

The interdisciplinary approach involves a group of scientists with different specialties working together on a common problem. This approach recognizes that complex problems often require input and expertise from multiple disciplines in order to be effectively addressed.

Question 15

If the social sciences are ever going to have a united theory, it will be because people started thinking about the rules and how the various rules of the social sciences fit together.

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that a united theory in the social sciences can only be achieved through a systematic understanding and integration of the various rules and principles that govern the different fields within the social sciences.

Question 16

The Enlightenment established the "three humiliations" of human beings. These include:
A) the earth is the center of the universe.
B) we are not creatures of nature like other animals.
C) humans cannot guide or direct social change.
D) our reasoning ability is subject to passions and subconscious desires.

Accepted Answer

The Enlightenment established the idea that our reasoning ability is not always reliable and can be influenced by our passions and subconscious desires. This was one of the "three humiliations" of human beings that challenged the notion of human superiority and rationality. The other choices (A, B, and C) are not accurate representations of the "three humiliations."

Question 17

Social science disciplines are clearly defined so that no two fields cover the same subjects.

Accepted Answer

There is some overlap between social science disciplines, and some subjects can be covered by multiple fields. Additionally, new subfields and interdisciplinary areas of study constantly emerge.

Question 18

There is little agreement among specialists in a particular social science about what distinguishes their field from others.

Accepted Answer

Different social science fields often overlap and have similar approaches, making it difficult to clearly distinguish them from one another.

Question 19

Scientific knowledge can be roughly grouped into two major fields - humanities and language arts.

Accepted Answer

Scientific knowledge cannot be grouped into humanities and language arts, as these are separate fields themselves. Scientific knowledge spans across multiple fields of study including physics, biology, chemistry, and many more.

Question 20

Controlled experiments play a very important role in the scientific method.

Accepted Answer

Controlled experiments are an essential part of the scientific method as they allow researchers to isolate and manipulate variables to test hypotheses and establish cause-and-effect relationships. They involve the control of all variables except one, which is the variable being tested, and allow researchers to make reliable and valid conclusions about the relationship between variables.

Quiz 1: Social Science and Its Method