Question

Evaluate how empirical and interpretive methods of social science may be used as complements to come to broader understandings of social phenomena versus the argument that the two approaches are irreconcilable.

Answer 1

The concept is more or less similar to the traditional question of whether the psychology is an art or a science. In my opinion it is both in many sense. Both the approaches are reconcilable and compliment each other. As a social science it studies areas like attitudes, beliefs, prejudice, interpersonal attraction, social influences like obedience, compliance & persuasion etc. But these areas are highly descriptive in nature. Therefore, investigator must make use of scientific or empirical methodologies to formulate a theory out of these topics. Empirical methods like testing, observation, experimenting are extremely important to arrive at a conclusion, this in turn helps other investigators to research further and prove or disprove a research.