Page 182 - DSOC404_METHODOLOGY_OF_SOCIAL_RESEARCH_ENGLISH

Methodology of Social Research

notes involved in the similarities and dissimilarities of social phenomenon the scientists should try to find
out such advanced techniques through which the study of the similarities and dissimilarities of social
phenomenon can both be studied.
This fact would also be wrong that the scientific study of physical phenomenon is more practical because
there is similarity in physical phenomenon. thinking of complete similarity is in itself impractical.
Moreover there cannot be even complete similarity between the two things made from a machine.
Therefore, the lack of similarity is obvious and its presence in any science is adverse for its scientific
nature. in this way the problem of sociology is not different with any other science. Does a doctor
also face the problem due to the lack of similarity? His two patients can never be same in all the ways.
Then also by real test and examination a doctor treats his patients by scientific manner and based on
the reaction of medicine changes his direction of treatment. then also nobody can say that doctor is
not a scientist and he does not use scientific techniques. Then based upon this only how can one call
social phenomenon and the study techniques of sociologists as unscientific if they lack similarity?

Did You Know? famous businessman Henry ford has proved this truth in a very interesting
way in his own biography. He has written, “two cars from ford company
are same in every manner; in fact any art of one car can be put into other car
but one can easily understand that the two cars are not same after driving
them; their characteristics are different and any driver can differentiate
them with their closed eyes.”

24.5 Lack of Universality in Social Phenomena

It is said that from the view-point of scientific study one more drawback of social phenomena is
that there is lack of universality in them, although universality is a noteworthy feature of physical
phenomena. For example, the burning power of fire is universal, the destroying power of water, drying
power of sunlight is universal but this feature is not evident in social phenomena. for example, the
characteristic to behave in a controlled manner in a student, the characteristic to be a virtuous wife and
the characteristic to be obedient in children is not universal. A dacoit may not be necessarily cruel or
harsh, he may be kind also. it is not certain that one king is only a protector he may be a destroyer of
higher category. the result of this is that whatever results are obtained in relation to social behaviour
from a sociologist are not real or the things that are true for one society may prove wrong for other
society. in other words, the predicated rules by him are not that universally true like in natural or
physical sciences.
The scholars who put above allegations may wrongly perceive the meaning of scientific rules. Scientific
rules are not those rules which are applicable in all conditions and places. In the same way it is difficult
to imagine the existence of universality or absolute scientific rules. Scientific rules are always applicable
under certain given conditions. We have already written this in the beginning of the chapter.

24.6 Dynamic Nature of Social Phenomena

one more noteworthy feature or drawback of social phenomena is that too much change is viewable.
the rate of change in today’s modern societies and in human or human-groups and in certain social
circumstances is rapid. Due to this uncertainty, it is difficult to inspect and test and derive definite
results in such social phenomena. today we are studying a particular group with certain characteristics

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