Science vs common sense in sociology
Quiz by Sarah Ayyad
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10 questions
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- Q1In sociology, which of the following statements best represents the difference between scientific methods and common sense?Scientific methods rely on systematic research and evidence, while common sense is based on personal experience and assumptions.Common sense is a type of scientific method.Scientific methods do not take into account social contexts.Common sense is always more reliable than scientific methods.30s
- Q2Which of the following statements illustrates a limitation of common sense in understanding social behavior?Common sense is always accurate and based on facts.Common sense provides a deeper understanding than scientific research.Common sense may lead to stereotypes that do not accurately reflect individual experiences.Common sense relies on statistical data.30s
- Q3In sociology, what is a key advantage of using scientific research over common sense?Scientific research is quicker and easier than using common sense.Scientific research provides empirical evidence that can be tested and verified.Common sense is universally applicable to all cultures.Scientific research is based solely on opinions.30s
- Q4What is one common mistake people make when relying on common sense in sociology?They often assume that personal experiences represent broader social trends.They rely on quantitative data to support their views.Common sense is never influenced by culture or context.They always consider all possible social factors.30s
- Q5Why is it important for sociologists to use scientific methods rather than just common sense?Scientific methods are less time-consuming than common sense reasoning.Scientific methods help eliminate bias and subjectivity, leading to more reliable conclusions.Common sense is based on facts and data.Common sense provides more accurate predictions than scientific methods.30s
- Q6How does common sense sometimes lead to misconceptions in understanding social issues?It provides a comprehensive view of all social factors involved.It is based on scientific observations and facts.It often relies on oversimplified explanations that ignore complex social dynamics.It uses detailed statistical analysis to understand issues.30s
- Q7What effect does bias have when individuals rely solely on common sense in sociological reasoning?Bias enhances the accuracy of common sense conclusions.Bias can distort understanding and lead to inaccurate conclusions about social behavior.Bias only affects scientific research, not common sense.Bias is irrelevant when discussing social issues.30s
- Q8What role does empirical evidence play in distinguishing scientific sociology from common sense?Empirical evidence provides a factual basis that can be tested and verified, unlike common sense, which is subjective.Scientific sociology does not use empirical evidence.Empirical evidence is based on personal beliefs and assumptions.Common sense relies on rigorous data collection and analysis.30s
- Q9How can reliance on common sense hinder understanding of social change?It can result in a failure to consider the underlying social structures and processes that drive change.Sociological research is unnecessary if common sense is used.Common sense always provides accurate predictions of social change.Common sense helps to identify the complexities in social change.30s
- Q10What is a key difference between theories developed through scientific research and those based on common sense in sociology?Common sense theories are always more comprehensive than scientific theories.Common sense theories rely heavily on statistical analysis.Theories from scientific research are based on systematic investigation and evidence while common sense theories often lack rigorous testing.Scientific theories cannot be used in everyday situations.30s