Science vs. Social Science: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 30, 2024
Science focuses on understanding natural phenomena through observation and experimentation. Social Science delves into human society and social relationships through qualitative and quantitative methods.
Key Differences
Science is a systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. It includes disciplines like physics and biology. Social Science, in contrast, is the study of human society and social relationships, exploring areas like sociology and psychology. Both fields use empirical evidence but differ in their subject matter.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
While Science often deals with tangible, measurable phenomena and tends to focus on universal laws, Social Science examines more subjective, complex aspects of human behavior and societies. Science uses experiments and quantitative analysis, whereas Social Science frequently employs qualitative methods and theoretical frameworks.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Science typically seeks to explain natural phenomena and discover underlying principles through hypotheses and testing. Disciplines like chemistry and astronomy fall under this umbrella. Conversely, Social Science explores human behavior, culture, and societal structures, with fields like anthropology and economics. Both aim to expand knowledge, but in different realms.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
In Science, reproducibility and predictability are key aspects, with a focus on physical and biological systems. In Social Science, there's an emphasis on understanding the complexities and nuances of human behavior and societal dynamics, which can be less predictable.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Science and Social Science both contribute significantly to our understanding of the world, but they differ in methodologies and areas of focus. Where Science might explore the workings of the universe or molecular structures, Social Science is concerned with understanding human behavior, social institutions, and cultural norms.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Subject Matter
Natural and physical world
Human society and social relationships
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Methodology
Empirical, experimental, quantitative
Qualitative, theoretical, sometimes quantitative
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Goal
Understanding, explaining natural phenomena
Understanding human behavior, social structures
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
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Science and Social Science Definitions
Science
Science is an empirical method of acquiring knowledge about the universe.
Through science, we can predict eclipses with remarkable accuracy.
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Jan 03, 2024
Social Science
Social Science is the study of human society and social relationships.
Social science researchers explore the cultural impacts of immigration.
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Jan 03, 2024
Science
Science is the pursuit of understanding the laws of nature and the physical world.
Science seeks to explain phenomena like gravity and electromagnetism.
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Jan 03, 2024
Social Science
Social Science explores cultural, economic, and political aspects of human life.
Social science studies have significantly contributed to public policy development.
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Jan 03, 2024
Science
Science is a discipline involving systematic exploration and analysis of phenomena.
Science has revolutionized medicine through groundbreaking research and innovations.
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Jan 03, 2024
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Social Science
Social Science focuses on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of social systems.
In social science, surveys can reveal public opinions on social issues.
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Jan 03, 2024
Science
Science is the study of the natural and physical world through observation and experimentation.
In science, the discovery of new particles can change our understanding of the universe.
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Jan 03, 2024
Social Science
Social Science is an academic discipline that examines societal structures and human behavior.
Social science helps us understand voting patterns in different populations.
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Jan 03, 2024
Science
The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena
New advances in science and technology.
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Jan 02, 2024
Social Science
Social Science is the systematic study of social phenomena and human interactions.
Social science looks into the effects of social media on interpersonal communication.
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Jan 03, 2024
Science
Such activities restricted to a class of natural phenomena
The science of astronomy.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
A systematic method or body of knowledge in a given area
The science of marketing.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
(countable) A particular discipline or branch of learning, especially one dealing with measurable or systematic principles rather than intuition or natural ability.
Of course in my opinion Social Studies is more of a science than an art.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
Specifically the natural sciences.
My favorite subjects at school are science, mathematics, and history.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
Knowledge gained through study or practice; mastery of a particular discipline or area.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
The fact of knowing something; knowledge or understanding of a truth.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
(uncountable) The collective discipline of study or learning acquired through the scientific method; the sum of knowledge gained from such methods and discipline.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
(uncountable) Knowledge derived from scientific disciplines, scientific method, or any systematic effort.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
To cause to become versed in science; to make skilled; to instruct.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
Knowledge; knowledge of principles and causes; ascertained truth of facts.
If we conceive God's sight or science, before the creation, to be extended to all and every part of the world, seeing everything as it is, . . . his science or sight from all eternity lays no necessity on anything to come to pass.
Shakespeare's deep and accurate science in mental philosophy.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
Accumulated and established knowledge, which has been systematized and formulated with reference to the discovery of general truths or the operation of general laws; knowledge classified and made available in work, life, or the search for truth; comprehensive, profound, or philosophical knowledge.
All this new science that men lere [teach].
Science is . . . a complement of cognitions, having, in point of form, the character of logical perfection, and in point of matter, the character of real truth.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
Especially, such knowledge when it relates to the physical world and its phenomena, the nature, constitution, and forces of matter, the qualities and functions of living tissues, etc.; - called also natural science, and physical science.
Voltaire hardly left a single corner of the field entirely unexplored in science, poetry, history, philosophy.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
Any branch or department of systematized knowledge considered as a distinct field of investigation or object of study; as, the science of astronomy, of chemistry, or of mind.
Good sense, which only is the gift of Heaven,And though no science, fairly worth the seven.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
Art, skill, or expertness, regarded as the result of knowledge of laws and principles.
His science, coolness, and great strength.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
To cause to become versed in science; to make skilled; to instruct.
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
A particular branch of scientific knowledge;
The science of genetics
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
Ability to produce solutions in some problem domain;
The skill of a well-trained boxer
The sweet science of pugilism
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Jan 02, 2024
Science
Science is a systematic endeavor that builds and organizes knowledge.
Science helps us understand how chemical reactions occur and can be controlled.
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Jan 03, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How does Science differ from Social Science in methodology?
Science often uses empirical, experimental methods, whereas Social Science may use qualitative approaches.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Can Social Science be considered a branch of Science?
Social Science is a distinct field that focuses on human aspects, but it shares some methodologies with Science.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Do both Science and Social Science use hypothesis testing?
Yes, both fields often use hypothesis testing, though in different contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Do Science and Social Science influence each other?
Yes, developments in one field can inform and influence the other.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
What is Science?
Science is the systematic study of the natural and physical world.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Are the findings in Science more reliable than in Social Science?
Reliability varies; Science often offers more predictable results, while Social Science deals with more complex, variable human elements.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Can Social Science experiments be controlled like in Science?
Social Science experiments are often less controllable due to the complexities of human behavior.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
What does Social Science study?
Social Science studies human society and social relationships.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Is mathematics a part of Science or Social Science?
Mathematics is a fundamental tool in both, but is more closely associated with Science.
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Jan 30, 2024
What role does observation play in Science and Social Science?
Observation is crucial in both, but used differently depending on the study's focus.
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Jan 30, 2024
Can Social Science change society?
Yes, Social Science research can lead to societal changes and reforms.
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Jan 30, 2024
How has technology impacted Science and Social Science?
Technology has advanced research capabilities in both fields significantly.
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Jan 30, 2024
Can findings in Science affect Social Science research?
Yes, scientific discoveries can influence social scientific thinking and vice versa.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Are careers in Science different from those in Social Science?
Yes, careers differ in focus, methodology, and often in setting.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
How does theoretical work in Science differ from Social Science?
Theoretical work in Science often aims to predict natural phenomena, while in Social Science, it might focus on understanding societal patterns.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Is Social Science important for policy making?
Yes, insights from Social Science are vital for informed policy making.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
How do ethics play a role in Science and Social Science?
Ethical considerations are important in both, especially when dealing with human subjects or environmental impact.
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Jan 30, 2024
Are Science and Social Science taught differently?
Teaching methods can vary, with Science often focusing more on empirical methods and Social Science on theory and analysis.
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Jan 30, 2024
Is Psychology considered Science or Social Science?
Psychology is often classified as a Social Science, though it uses many scientific methods.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
Can Social Science findings be generalized like scientific laws?
Social Science findings are often context-specific and not as universally generalizable as scientific laws.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 30, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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