4. (a) Do you think that common sense is the starting point of Social Research? What are its advantages and limitations? Explain. (2023/P1/20/Social change)

) Common Sense as the Starting Point of Social Research:

Common sense, defined as practical or everyday knowledge gained through experience and observation, is often considered a starting point for social research. It provides individuals with a baseline understanding of the social world, and researchers may draw upon common sense notions to form hypotheses or research questions. However, it is essential to recognize both the advantages and limitations of relying on common sense in the context of social research.

Advantages:

• Accessibility:
• Common sense is readily accessible to everyone. It does not require specialized training or academic expertise, making it an inclusive starting point for social research. Researchers and laypeople alike can contribute to the formulation of research questions based on their common sense understanding.
• Intuitive Insights:
• Common sense often involves intuitive insights into social phenomena. It reflects the accumulated wisdom and practical knowledge gained from everyday experiences, enabling researchers to generate initial hypotheses or ideas about social issues.
• Practical Relevance:
• Common sense is rooted in practical relevance and real-world applicability. Research questions grounded in common sense are more likely to resonate with the concerns and experiences of the general population, enhancing the practical significance of the research.
• Exploratory Stage:
• Common sense can serve as a valuable starting point in the exploratory stage of research. Researchers may use common sense observations to identify patterns, relationships, or areas of interest that warrant further investigation.

Limitations:

• Subjectivity and Bias:
• Common sense is subjective and may be influenced by personal biases, cultural beliefs, and individual experiences. Relying solely on common sense may lead to biased research questions or hypotheses that do not reflect the diversity of perspectives within a society.
• Incomplete or Inaccurate Understanding:
• Common sense knowledge may offer a simplified or incomplete understanding of complex social issues. It might lack nuance or overlook underlying factors that require systematic investigation. Research built solely on common sense may miss important dimensions of social phenomena.
• Lack of Systematic Methodology:
• Common sense lacks the systematic methodology and rigor associated with formal research methods. While it can generate initial ideas, researchers must transition to more structured and empirical approaches to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings.
• Limited Generalizability:
• Common sense is often context-specific and may not be generalizable across diverse populations or settings. Research questions derived solely from common sense may lack broader applicability, limiting the external validity of the findings.
• Potential for Stereotyping:
• Common sense notions can sometimes reinforce stereotypes or perpetuate simplistic explanations for social phenomena. Researchers need to critically evaluate and challenge common sense assumptions to avoid reinforcing pre-existing biases.
• Unsystematic Problem Definition:
• Relying solely on common sense may result in an unsystematic definition of research problems. Without a clear theoretical framework or research design, researchers may struggle to develop research questions that lead to meaningful and generalizable insights.

Conclusion: While common sense can provide a valuable starting point for social research, researchers must approach it with a critical awareness of its limitations. Combining common sense insights with systematic research methods, theoretical frameworks, and empirical evidence enhances the rigor and validity of social research. Common sense should be viewed as a preliminary guide rather than a substitute for the disciplined and systematic inquiry inherent in the research process.