what are differences between social science from natural sciences and humanities
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Social science differs from natural sciences and humanities in subject matter, methods of inquiry, and goals of understanding.
Explanation:
Social science focuses on the study of human behavior, societies, and social relationships. It includes disciplines such as sociology, psychology, economics, political science, and anthropology. The key characteristic of social science is its attempt to understand how people interact within a society and how social structures affect individual and group behavior. It often uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis.
Natural sciences, on the other hand, deal with the physical and biological aspects of the world. These sciences include physics, chemistry, biology, and earth sciences. They aim to uncover universal laws of nature through systematic observation, experimentation, and empirical evidence. The natural sciences are generally more objective and focus on measurable phenomena. For example, a physicist might measure how fast an object falls due to gravity, while a biologist may study cell division under a microscope.
Humanities, in contrast to both social and natural sciences, explore human culture, values, history, and expression. This includes literature, philosophy, art, music, history, and languages. The humanities focus more on interpretation, critical analysis, and understanding of human experience through creative and reflective methods. The goal is not to discover laws or test hypotheses but to gain deeper insights into what it means to be human.
While all three areas seek knowledge, social science bridges the objective rigor of natural sciences and the interpretative depth of humanities. It blends structured research with a sensitivity to cultural and social context. For instance, a political scientist may use data to analyze voting behavior while also considering historical and cultural factors. Each domain contributes differently to human understanding but often overlaps in interdisciplinary research.