social science

USAGE SUMMARY

"social science" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You may use it when talking about the academic disciplines that are concerned with the study of social behavior and society. For example: "Sociology is an example of a social science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Social science isn't physics.

The New Yorker

Social science progresses slowly.

The New Yorker

Who are your favorite social science writers?

The New York Times - Books

Social science suggests it exacerbates the problem.

The New York Times

Social science rarely produces results this clean.

The New York Times

The show has limits as social science.

The New York Times

Social science underscores our secular belief.

The New York Times

Social Science and Medicine.

University of California, Berkeley

Social Science Quarterly.

Stanford University

Computational social science.

Harvard University

For services to social science and policy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "social science" in your writing, specify the sub-discipline you are referring to (e.g., sociology, economics, political science) for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid attributing universal validity to findings from one study within "social science". Results often depend on specific contexts and methodologies. Acknowledge limitations when presenting research.

Linguistic Context

"Social science" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a broad category of academic disciplines. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "social science" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the study of human society and social relationships. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's commonly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts. When using "social science", consider specifying the particular discipline for clarity. Be cautious not to overgeneralize findings from single studies. Remember that while "social science" is related to the humanities, its methodology is distinct, emphasizing scientific methods. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing the use of this term across diverse and authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sociology

Focuses specifically on the study of social behavior, institutions, and structures.

behavioral science

Emphasizes the scientific study of human and animal behavior.

social studies

Often used in educational contexts to refer to the integrated study of social sciences and humanities.

political science

Specifically studies the theory and practice of politics and government.

economics

Focuses on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

anthropology

Studies human societies and cultures and their development.

psychology

Focuses on the study of the human mind and its functions, affecting behavior.

humanities

Broader category encompassing the study of human culture, including arts, literature, and philosophy.

criminology

Specifically studies crime and criminal behavior.

demography

Studies the size, structure, and distribution of populations, and changes therein.

FAQs

How is "social science" used in academic writing?

"Social science" is used to refer to a range of disciplines that study human society and social relationships. It's often used to categorize research fields like sociology, psychology, and political science.

What's the difference between "social science" and humanities?

"Social science" employs scientific methods to study human society, while humanities explore human culture through interpretive methods. While both examine human behavior, their approaches differ.

How can I use "social science" in a sentence?

You might say, "The study of economics is a branch of "social science"" or "Researchers in "social science" use surveys and experiments to understand human behavior."

What are some examples of disciplines within "social science"?

Examples include sociology, psychology, economics, political science, anthropology, and communication studies.