anyone with knowledge in sociology social sciences?

[tia k]

Hi,

Just wondering about statistics in sociology. Sometimes statistics are used to draw interest into issues of concerns to sociologists. For example, would it be a good way to use statistics to address issues such as gender or social class differences in education? What would be the weaknesses from a sociological point of view. As a matter of fact, what are the strengths associated with it. I am just wondering because I don't think use of statistics is good to show differences about people. I think it would be better to find some underlying reasons for them instead. Would you say statisics is good knowledge to have if going in fields like socal sciences, cause I don't see how much that can help?

Any help appreciated, thanks

 

[Belle Isolde]

Statistics are just numbers, it's very tough to find statistics that actually prove anything other than a correlation and it is nearly impossible for them to tell you "why" anything is anything, just that it is. Having basic knowledge in statistic is tantamount, however. You need to know what method of data collection is faulty, ways statistics can show things that really don't mean what they look like they mean. Good statistics can be invaluable, however. Especially in a sociological setting.