Difference Between Science and Social Science

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Science

Science

Science (in particular, physical or natural science) and social science are
two types of science that share many things but are also different on many
levels.

The main similarities between science and social sciences include the
following:

 Both sciences employ the same scientific model in order to obtain

information. Some branches of each science even employ both natural
and social science components. Examples of natural sciences include
biology and ecology, while economics and psychology are examples of
social sciences.
 Both have general laws that have numerous applications.
 Both use empirical and measured data that is observable by the
senses. Additionally, theories in both sciences can be tested to
produce theoretical statements and general propositions.

However, differences are also plentiful between the two types of sciences.

Science is often classified as natural or physical science. As its name

implies, this science is concerned with the study of nature—the physical and
natural behaviors and phenomena without the social, cultural, or human
context.
The basis of natural sciences is experimental data, which relies on repeated
experiments, laboratory testing, and constant reproductions of results. The
methodology of natural or physical science is often characterized as fixed
and straightforward, with the constant element of standard measurements.
This methodology also employs experiments. Data from these experiments
often represent predictability and rationality.

Physical and natural sciences work in a closed system where variables can
be controlled, and the work is executed within a particular framework or
paradigm.

Social Science

On the other hand, social sciences revolve around the behavior of humans
as a people or human societies, their production, and operations. This type
of science is also very concerned with cultural and human contexts and tries
to explain how the world works. Its main aim is to study the complex and
ever-changing phenomena that occur in human and social life as well as
their interactions with one another.

The basis of social sciences is experiential data. Experiential data tries to

establish social phenomena and is not easily reproduced in a laboratory
setting or in an experiment.
The methodology of social sciences starts with an assumption and is
gradually added to with a series of experiments and observation. Data
collection methods are often done utilizing a variety of techniques like field
observation, interviews, and focus groups discussions.

The experiments and data collected in social science studies denote

spontaneity and deal with the emotions of the people involved.

Social sciences operate on an open system where uncontrollable variables

are expected. It is also considered a cumulative science, which is
characterized by a progression as the study goes on.

Summary
1. Science (also known as pure, natural, or physical science) and social
science are two types of science that deal with the same scientific
model and the components of their own respective general laws.
2. Science is more concerned with studying nature, while social science
is concerned with human behavior and societies.
3. Pure science is characterized by control, exactness, rationality,
controlled variables, and predictability, while social science is the
opposite—it is spontaneous, with unpredictable or uncontrollable
variables, and it deals with human emotions and behaviors.
4. The basis of natural science is experimental data, while social
sciences rely on experiential data.
5. The usual method of science (with respect to experimental data) is
doing repetitive and conventional experiments in a laboratory, while
social science, utilizing experiential data, usually involves alternative
methods of observation and interaction with people within a
community.
6. Natural or physical sciences work within a closed system, while social
sciences work within an open system.