Question

What is the counter argument of the subjectivists towards the positivists with references to the social science methodology?. Please give answer in 5_6 sentences in simplest words or terms.

Answer 1

Subjectivists argue against positivists by emphasizing that social sciences study people and their experiences, which can't be measured in the same way as natural sciences. They believe that understanding human behavior requires considering people's feelings, thoughts, and social contexts, which are subjective and cannot be quantified. Subjectivists argue that positivists overlook the meanings and interpretations that individuals give to their actions, leading to incomplete or misleading conclusions. They also point out that human actions are often influenced by culture, emotions, and social interactions, which are complex and can't be reduced to numbers or statistics. In essence, subjectivists advocate for a more qualitative approach in social research, highlighting the importance of understanding perspectives and experiences rather than just gathering objective data.