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What's the equivalent of physics constants for social studies? (reddthat.com)
submitted 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) by souperk@reddthat.com to c/askscience@lemmy.world
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In physics, it's common to develop a formula and then stick a constant to explain the unknown. For example, Newton's theory of gravity uses the gravitational constant G on the formula F = G * m_1 * m_2 / r^2, later on Einstein gave a more accurate explanation with the theory of relativity which does not rely on a constant E = m * c^2. Constants provide a good enough explanation of the laws of physics that's useful for centuries.

I was wondering what's the equivalent in social studies? How do researchers deal with the uncertainty of human behaviour?

Edit: Comments made me remember how much I don't understand the theory of relativity, terrible example, sorry for the confusion. I need to rephrase the question but I don't know how.

I am looking for "glue" concepts, things that help connect observations with theory, aka if I calculate m_1 * m_2 / r^2 the result is slightly off but if I account for G, an empirical constant derived from observation, then everything makes sense for the observable universe.

Also, as someone said, I am referring to social studies.

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[-] neptune@dmv.social 3 points 9 months ago

I think gravity and light work the same on psych majors as it does physics and engineering students....

I kid.

So in biology I know e the Euler number is important. It is used in growth equations (from finance to physics as well).

Statistics is fucking huge in every field. That is how you measure uncertainty. Bell curves and the Five Numbers and all that stuff is how you analysis thousands of widgets coming off an assembly line, or measurements in the social sciences field.

this post was submitted on 12 Feb 2024
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