Exercise 1-1
The research process is cyclical in nature. Scientists continually challenge and refine previous work done in their field. Using the Web, your school library, and other resources available to you, locate an article that directly challenges the findings and conclusions of another article. Identify the claim or claims challenged, the basis of these challenges, and the evidence brought to bear. Discuss why and how these sorts of challenges are a normal and healthy part of the scientific process.
Exercise 1-2
Is social science research "scientific?" This is a question that is routinely asked as many institutions of higher education have placed increasing emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Using a scholarly search engine, locate several articles which take the position that social science research is and is not scientific. As you read through these articles, identify the definition(s) of science that are being advocated (either explicitly or implicitly). How are these definitions similar to or different from the one proposed in your textbook?
In his recent book, Capital in the Twenty-First Century, Thomas Piketty argues that unfettered capitalism increases wealth among the rich much faster than it increases wages for the working poor and middle class. Explain how the aims of science-explanation, prediction, and understanding-are served by doing research on this topic.