Methods of Inquiry in The Two Sciences

METHODS OF INQUIRY
IN THE TWO SCIENCES

1.EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION. This
Sciences means that the knowledge must be
require a rigid, obtained through direct experience
accurate and or observation.
critical analysis
2. OBJECTIVITY. This simply means that
of data.
in sociological and anthropological
Scientific
investigation, data must be presented,
investigations
analyzed and interpreted independently
require the
of the researcher's own belief and value
following:
judgement.
3. ETHNICAL NEUTRALITY. This is related to
objectivity. One must remain neutral in the
interpretation of one's findings, without being
influenced by his value judgement or his convictions
about his own group or of himself.
4. SOCIOLOGICAL IMAGINATION. It was W. Wrights
Mill who espoused the personal use of "sociological
imagination" which is the set of mind that enables the
individual to examine his own experiences by locating
himself in the period in which he lives and studying the
events in his personal life against events in society.
In sociological and anthropological study, scientific
investigation is involved. It is in this sense that pure or basic
research and applied research must be distinguished from
each other. Pure science is the search for knowledge for its
own sake. It's goal is to discover the truth. It makes
contributions to the basic theoretical knowledge without
concern for its practical use. On the other hand, applied
science is concerned with ways of using scientific knowledge
to solve practical problems. The theoretical may be utilized in
such things as management of business or government,
evaluation of social programs, and the like. Sociologist and
anthropologist are generally concerned with the conduct of
basic researchers.
 Identification of the problem. The problem
is represented by the gap between what
The scientific actually exists and what ought to exist in a
investigation given situation.
in both  Gathering of data. In order to meet the
sciences fundamental aim of sociological and
follows anthropological inquiry, a more immediate
certain goal is to provide a simulation of a model
standard that can be shown to correspond to certain
procedures. priciples, a sample of the total population
to represent the whole as accurately as
possible.
A. Observation. As a technique for data gathering observation is very
common in the fields of sociology and anthropology. It makes use of different
senses to study a social phenomenon or group group of persons
B. Participant Observation. This involves staying and living in the community
being studied. Data gathering is undertaken while the researcher lives and
mingles with the community. The researcher takes special interest in how the
people live, how they form their values, and what beliefs they have and apply
in their daily lives. The researcher lives with the people being studied without
letting them know they are being studied.
C.Interview. Interviewing is a data gathering technique very commonly
adopted in sociology and anthropology. The interview may be either
structured or unstructured. Questions may be applied here. However,some
anthropologist prefer not to use tape recorder since It surely distracts the
respondent’s attention.
D. Historical method. This may be applied when the researcher is in need of
background information about past events of the people or social phenomena.
E. Comparative Method. This is utilized mostly by anthropologist. This
method involves noting the similarities and differences between societies with
regard to such particular aspects as marriage and the family, child rearing, and
the like. Hypotheses are used to explain why certain phenomena appear in
some cultures and not in others.
F. Achival research. This utilizes old records and documents kept in archives.
Archival materials are useful in explaining social phenomena that happened in
the past.
G. Content analysis. This is a systematic technique for analysing message
context and message handing. It is a research tool for observing and analyzing
the overt communication behavior of a certain communicators .
3. Analysis of data. From the data collected, the researcher nakes inferences
about a certain social phenomena. From these inferences and conclusions,
recommendations are given.

One of the most recent trends in sociological and anthropological investigations
is the use of participatory research. Here, the process involves the people who
are the target of development in the research process. The process becomes very
meaningful because it is done in the context of people centeredness.
The people initiate the research. This process entails the people’s conscious
reflections on what action and goals they consider possible and desirable and
how they can mobilize their resources to attain these goals. It is an attempt to
develop people science so that research becomes relevant not only as a way of
effecting socio-economic development but also as a learning process for those
being studied. This process may be applied to groups like street children,
prostitutes, fishermen, farmers, or any other group.
The following may be considered the importance of the study of
sociology and anthropology:
1. The study of sociology and anthropology introduces us to various
concepts and pronciples vital in our undertanding of culture na d
society.
2. Through the study of these two disciplines, we are ablo to see
ourselves as parts of a larger social pattern. This expand our
views of the world, therby appreciating society and culture
The better.
Relevance of 3. Thus study will make understand better why people of different
groups and culture behave the way they do. Through this
Sociology and understanding, we may be able to adjust ourselves to their
Anthropology peculiar ways and patterns.
4. It will give us the insight that our group is different from others.
Through this, we may be led to respect the identity and u ique
nature of other groups and members of such groups.
5. A study of these two sciences will be helpful in promoting inter-ethnic
and cultural understanding. It can promote national unity and
progress, international understanding through the promotion
and cross cultural knowledge.

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METHODS OF INQUIRY

IN THE TWO SCIENCES

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