Use of Fact SOC SCI 101

We utilize the term “fact” on a regular basis, but frequently it is used improperly. What is the correct definition and explain how and why the term is used improperly 100 words or more (use the textbook as your reference for the definition)

Please see attachment for “FACT”

Please respond to at these two students in 3-5 sentence.

1. A fact is an empirically derived statement from a set of data. Something that is “generally known as true” is not necessarily a fact. “Something I’ve found to be true” is not a fact at all, it’s an observation. Calling something a fact is a simple way to frame an argument or hypothesis by declaring something is true and building off that fact without analyzing if that fact is true at all. It poisons any debate about the hypothesis since if you don’t believe the underlying facts are true, you cannot have a reasonable discussion about anything else that the related data shows. It helps to do this if you are trying to “poison the well” with bad information, or to prove your point whether or not it’s an actual fact. The term “fact” is utilized on a regular basis because most individuals tend to base the entirety of their beliefs on personal experience rather than impartial collected data. Individuals may also avoid a scientific attitude and simply induce informational regurgitation from an external source they’ve consumed. People are also taught that the word fact means tenaciously absolute and hold it synonymous with indisputable truth.

2. While mathematics may bring us an absolute answer to a particular problem it is important to understand that, because of social fluidity, absolutes are impossible to quantify in social science. A good example is in the textbook where it states, “water boils at 100 degrees Celsius,” and continues to say, “water always does this.” This is not necessarily true. Water will boil at 100 degrees Celsius if it is at standard atmospheric pressure. On Mount Everest water will boil at around 70 degrees Celsius. This metaphor can extend to the means by which social scientists produce hypotheses regarding society and, through the use of observation and statistical information, develop facts and a solid theory for what is being observed.

The correct definition of a fact is something that is assumed to be true. Facts are malleable. A fact can change if more data becomes available that either expands or contradicts the standing consensus. A fact is a constantly refined truth.