Their research provides insights that help us understand the different ways in which individuals and groups make decisions, exercise power, and respond to change. Through their studies and analyses, social scientists suggest solutions to social, business, personal, governmental, and environmental problems.
Research is a basic activity for many social scientists.
They use various methods to assemble facts and construct theories. Applied research usually is designed to produce information that will enable people to make better decisions or manage their affairs more effectively. Interviews and surveys are widely used to collect facts, opinions, or other information. The following paragraphs discuss the major specialties in social science. Specialists in one field, however, often find that their research overlaps work being conducted in another discipline.