Page 24 - DSOC404_METHODOLOGY_OF_SOCIAL_RESEARCH_ENGLISH

Methodology of Social Research

note introduction
Every scientific system has three levels or steps namely—Fact, hypothesis, and theory. Fact, hypothesis,
and theory can never be accepted as separate identities because it is very difficult to demarcate all
of them from each other. During any study, when the fact changes into a hypothesis and when the
hypothesis starts the formation of theories, it is just impossible to clarify. But, it is also true that they
can be studied separately and individually.
our aim in this chapter is not to analyze and explain fact, hypothesis, and theory. to understand the
sociological theories, it is important to know and understand the steps serially that are involved in
the formation of these processes. so, we have to be familiar with fact, hypothesis, and theory.
After selecting the topic or problem of research and study, the researcher is able to decide and presume
the ‘cause and effect relationship’ of the topic . this assumption is what is called ‘hypothesis.’ for
eg., if any researcher wants to study the problem ‘increasing crime-activity in india.’ on the basis of
experience and general knowledge, we can assume and say that the ‘main cause of increase in crime-
rate/activity is poverty.’ this statement then is called the hypothesis.

3.1 fact

What are Facts
in english, we have two separate words—facts and data which in Hindi has one word. But the true
words are not synonyms. they actually have separate meanings in english. so, it is important to
understand the difference clearly. in process of research, when the collection of responses is being
done, it is called “data” in english. But when after analysis and researching, the data is “validated”,
it gets the term “fact.”

Notes To become a “fact”, the “data” has to go through a specific procedure. Though
in Hindi, the ‘fact’ word is for both the contents, one has to very careful in using
these words in english.

Before defining the word, ‘fact’ officially, it is very important to clarify because it is directly related to
social data. Here we would like to mention the name of french sociologist, emile Durkheim. According
to Durkheim-social fact, is that aspect of behavior, which can be inspected/observed individually
and which forces one to behave in a specific manner. The indications given by Durkheim to recognize
any ‘social fact’ are its ‘exteriority’ and ‘constraint.’ We will define ‘fact’ in this context only because
social science is restricted by scientific process and discipline. Thus, we can call ‘fact’ a ‘proper fact’
within certain limits only.

3.2 Definition and Characteristics of Fact

While defining the word ‘fact’, two viewpoints have been put forward.
The first viewpoint includes those definitions which have accepted a wide and extensive field. They
include physics, biology, and social science. The definition given in this context are by Pauline V.
young, W.J.Goode & P.K. Hatt and May Broadbeck etc. according to pauline–, ‘fact’ should be viewed
in such physical, mental or emotional situations which can be confirmed by words and which can be
accepted in the world of discourse.

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