What is the Difference Between Social Research and Scientific Research?

Social research and scientific research are both crucial in understanding various phenomena and generating new knowledge. However, there are differences between the two in terms of their focus, methodology, and objectives. Here are the key differences between social research and scientific research:

1. Focus: Social research is the study of social trends, dynamics, and principles that exist between individuals and within societies, and it investigates human behavior in a social context. In contrast, scientific research is based on the natural sciences, focusing on physical aspects of the world, such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
2. Methodology: Social research methods include laboratory experiments, field surveys, case research, ethnographic research, and action research, among others. On the other hand, scientific research operates primarily at the empirical level, with its methods being more precise, accurate, deterministic, and independent of the person making the observations.
3. Objectives: Social research aims to understand human behavior and relationships, often used in fields such as education, sociology, anthropology, and psychology. Scientific research, on the other hand, is used to test hypotheses and develop theories based on empirical data and observations, ultimately contributing to a body of science.
4. Predictability and Testability: In scientific research, especially in natural sciences, it is easier to make predictions and conduct tests, as natural phenomena are less likely to change over time and theories remain constant for longer durations. In contrast, social research is more difficult to repeat due to changing variables and evolving human behavior, which means results can change over time with the change of circumstances.
5. Bias: Both social and scientific research aim to be objective and unbiased, with researchers following a systematic and transparent path to get accurate results. However, the context of the research may make it more challenging to maintain objectivity in social research due to the dynamic and complex nature of human behavior.

In summary, social research focuses on understanding human behavior and relationships, primarily in a social context, while scientific research deals with the natural sciences and aims to test hypotheses and develop theories. The methodologies, objectives, and predictability of the research areas differ, with social research often being more complex and context-dependent.

Comparative Table: Social Research vs Scientific Research

Here is a table comparing the differences between social research and scientific research:

In summary, social research and scientific research both aim to generate new knowledge, but they differ in their focus, methodology, and the stability of their variables and results.