The theory and methods used in social work are

The theory and methods used in social work are derived from the social sciences. Social
work involves applying the methods of sociology and psychology to solve human
problems. Some examples of applied social science may include:
•
Industrial relations
•
City planning
•
Criminology
•
Social Work
D. Policy Sciences
Policy science is very big in political science, but to some extent all social
sciences attempt to influence policy. Often, managers, administrators, leaders, and
especially those involved in the political environment make decisions based on hearsay,
and opinion rather than objective evidence. Even when such evidence is available, it may
be ignored because it goes against what people want to believe. For example, Max Weber
(German sociologist) told German leaders that unlimited submarine warfare would bring
the U.S. into World War I and lead to Germany's defeat. He was ignored and his
prediction came to pass.
Unlike business, government has no objective basis for making choices, no profit and
loss statement. Instead, decisions are often made subjectively and foolishly. Many social
scientists therefore work to encourage government decision-makers to use objective
evidence gathered via social science research to make better decisions. This is not to say
that social scientists and social science is always right or always objective. Furthermore,
decisions may be made even if it is counter to social science evidence because it is
morally justified.
The policy sciences hope to:
•
Understand societal change
•
Clarify appropriate goals
•
Understand a particular social problem and how to solve that problem by
identifying most effective alternatives
•
Aid in effective prediction
•
Deepen and broaden policy-maker's capacity for judgment
•
Counter the inadequate data often available to decision-makers
For example, social science research was used in Brown vs. Board of Education (1954) to
support the decision that separate but equal education did not work and could not be
6

Power, Authority, and Exchange – ISS 225 Intro. Social Science
equal. This involved a sociological study called the Doll Study. The lawyer representing
the NAACP was Thurgood Marshall. See
http://varenne.tc.columbia.edu/class/common/dolls_in_brown_vs_board.html for an
account of the famous doll study. See also
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/National_News_2/New_doll_test_produces_ugl
y_results_2919.shtml for an update of the doll study.
The problem is that social scientists and policy-makers live in separate worlds with
different and often conflicting values, reward systems, and languages. Policy makers
don’t listen. Research reports often use jargon that is difficult for the layperson to
understand.
Normally, social science research takes too long to answer today's problems (unless
begun several years ago). Policy makers find research findings too qualified and not
generalizable enough to apply to large populations. Policy makers may find research
findings too radical, and they fear change in the social order. Research findings may be