Is sociology just common sense

Answer 1

Psychological findings and research often seem like common sense, but unsurprisingly, psychologists have an answer for that. When people are given the answer to the question, they are more likely to agree with it and contend that they knew it all along (this is called hindsight bias).

Consider one group of people who are told that it is indeed true that long-distance romantic relationships work. The likely response is "of course, absence makes the heart grow fonder...this is just common sense." Consider another group of people who are told that long distances weakens romantic relationships. The likely response is "of course; out of sight, out of mind...this is just common sense." (This isn't hypothetical either: this study and hundreds of others like it have been conducted with the same results).

Clearly psychology isn't just common sense. The answers psychology provides draws upon the scientific method for answers. Although experiments involving the mind can be extremely tricky and often error-filled, the science behind it is the same as Biology. Psychology also involves many different perspectives. If one explanation for a behavior lies with the mechanics of the brain, the research might be entirely in the neuroscience perspective. But no one accuses neuroscience of being common sense.

Answer 2

No, sociology goes beyond common sense by examining society through systematic research methods and theories. It helps us understand social patterns, structures, and processes that may not be immediately obvious through everyday observations or assumptions.

Answer 3

Some fields may seem like common sense to outsiders. However, sociologists and sociology students learn a lot of substance and methodology that aids them in their careers in the field.