If science depends on observation of empirical data, how can social scientists study nonobservable phenomena, such as thought patterns or imagery?
That's an age-old question and why social "sciences" are sometimes called "soft" sciences. Research is done through observation of behaviors and tested in controlled settings (with control groups). Often results take time. Witness the famous test of young children about self control with marshmallows. If the child can resist eating the marshmallow for a short time, he/she will get two. Some can't wait! Years later we find that the children with more self-control are more successful later in life than those who wanted immediate satisfaction. But it took years and follow-up to find the pattern. It's not as easy as figuring out the freezing temperature of water. So, it's looking for patterns that might predict behaviors.
Social scientists studying nonobservable phenomena, such as thought patterns or imagery, face a unique challenge compared to scientists studying observable phenomena. While it is true that science traditionally relies on observation of empirical data, social scientists have developed different methods to overcome the limitations of studying nonobservable phenomena. Here are a few approaches they use:
1. Self-reporting and interviews: Social scientists often rely on self-reporting methods to gather data on nonobservable phenomena. They ask individuals to describe their thoughts, feelings, or experiences, allowing them to gain insights into the subject matter. This can be done through surveys, questionnaires, structured interviews, or open-ended interviews.
2. Behavioral indicators: Although direct observation of nonobservable phenomena may not be possible, social scientists look for behavioral indicators that can indirectly reflect these phenomena. For example, they might study facial expressions, body language, or other observable actions that can provide clues about underlying thought patterns or emotions.
3. Experimental manipulations: Social scientists can design experiments to manipulate certain variables and observe their effects on nonobservable phenomena. For instance, they might manipulate environmental factors or present participants with stimuli to capture their thought patterns or imagery. This helps in establishing causal relationships between variables and understanding the underlying processes.
4. Cognitive neuroscience: Another approach is to combine social science methods with insights from cognitive neuroscience. By using brain imaging techniques (such as fMRI or EEG), researchers can observe and analyze brain activity associated with specific cognitive processes or mental imagery, providing valuable insights into nonobservable phenomena.
5. Qualitative research methods: Social scientists also employ qualitative research methods to gain a deeper understanding of nonobservable phenomena. This includes methods like ethnography, case studies, or narrative analysis, which involve immersing oneself in the subject matter to gather rich, descriptive data.
It is important to note that studying nonobservable phenomena requires a rigorous and systematic approach, ensuring that the methods used are reliable, valid, and the results are replicable. Social scientists are continuously refining their methodologies to ensure that they produce reliable findings about these complex phenomena, even in the absence of direct observation.