Assignment: No 1

Module Code: HM4001

Module Title: Humanities I
Name of the Lecturer: Prof. Premakumara
Date of Submission: 01.04.2016

ASSIGNMENT: 03

Name: K.A.L.P.Abeykoon
Student ID No. 2014093CL1
Advanced Diploma Level Stage II
Introduction to Natural science and Social science
Social science and Natural science are two subjects that differ from each other in terms of their
subject matter. Social science is any study that is centered on society and its development. In
short, it refers to any subject that does not come under the gamut of natural sciences.

Economics is a social science that studies the various theories and problems relating production
of goods, distribution of goods and of course the consumption of wealth. Social sciences include
a variety of subjects such as anthropology, education, economics, international relations, political
science, history, geography, psychology, law, criminology, and the like. Anthropology is a social
science that deals with the history of man. Human biology and humanities get covered too by the
term anthropology.

Natural science is a branch of science concerned with the description, prediction, and
understanding of natural phenomena, based on observational and empirical evidence.
Mechanisms such as peer review and repeatability of findings are used to try to ensure the
validity of scientific advances.

Natural sciences are the branches of science that go into the details of the natural world by using
scientific methods. Astronomy, Biology, Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry, Oceanography,
Material Science, Earth Science and Atmospheric Science are some of the well-known natural
sciences.

Views and Concepts

Main key difference

Natural sciences includes the study of matter and universe by certain scientific methods
where as no scientific methods are employed in the area of Social Science.
The course curriculum offered by both the subjects is different. The topics covered under
both these subjects are entirely different.

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Key differences

Social science based on subject while natural science based on object.

In social science result of investigation are at best generalizations while science results of
investigations are well defined by natural laws.

Social phenomena are known as symbolically through words as welfare, tradition or

systematic. Natural science phenomena can be best known directly through our senses
like eyes, ears and nose

The data obtained in social sciences may vary simultaneously. Thedata obtained in
physical sciences is more reliable and consists of actual results.

Conclusion

Among the many branches of science, the natural and the social sciences stand out as
twobranches with disciplines that have some similarities, but differ strongly, above all, in what
they aim to investigate. Studies of the natural sciences began during the 16th and 17thcentury,
whereas the social sciences emerged some 300 years later.Commonalities include a number of
methods such as experiments and observations, where quantitative methods can be applied for
analyses. However, being concerned with the underlying meaning of social interactions, the
social sciences rely not only on what might be called exact, mathematical methods, but also on a
number of qualitative approaches such as interviews and ethnographies. Both branches of
science have limitation that can be similar in nature, e.g., financial issues. Most limitations of the
two are another point where they differ starkly. While the natural sciences often face technical
boundaries, the social sciences experience difficulties as they study situations in which

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environments cannot be controlled easily, which often renders experimental settings impossible
and leaves scientists relying on interpretations. Additionally, ethical issues play a much larger
role in the social sciences.

The higher study programs and job opportunities offered for both the subjects are different. The
aptitude and skills required to the learner for these two programs are different.The subject of
Natural Science include a lot of research where as Social Science is not research specific.

References

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-social-science-and-natural-
science
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-social-science-and-vs-natural-
science/
http://entrance-exam.net/difference-between-natural-science-and-social-science/