Le’Trell Payton
March 1, 2017
SOC 100
Compare and contrast scientific sociology, interpretive sociology, and critical sociology.
Be sure to explain which approaches best describe the work of Comte, Durkheim, and
Marx.
Scientific sociology is a systematic approach to researching questions and problems
pertaining to social behavior through objective and accurate observation, collection and
analysis of data, direct experimentation, and replication (repeating) of these procedures.
Sociologists who adhere too tightly to positivist theories may find that their own unique
social perspectives and value systems have a significant bearing on their claims, even
when backed up by facts and scientific observation.
Interpretive
sociology focuses on the meanings people attach to social phenomena,
prioritizing specific situations over a search for social facts that transcend time and place.
Interpretive sociologists seek to correct this conflict of interest by understanding the
subjective nature of human social behavior and take into account the viewpoints of others
when considering various sociological facts and observations
.
Critical sociology is the study of society that focuses on the need for social change.
Critical sociologists will always question conclusions in order to improve the quality of
knowledge in the field by disproving incorrect claims or uncovering new truths.
Auguste Comte was a French philosopher who believed that the theoretical science of
society and a systematic investigation of behavior were needed to improve society. He
