“Science” can be defined through systematically controlling results and how they are produced. This process orients itself on the principles of rational argumentation, empirical verifiability and intersubecjtial tracability. These points are weighted differently when looking at various subjects but they are essential to all every discipline concerning the goal of gaining insights into reality. Preconceived opinions and convictions are not taken into account. For this (self-) critical reflection a lot of things have to be looked at:
- the possibility of perceptions (theory of knowledge)
- the procedure of reaching a scientific goal and its principles (theory of science)
- the adaptation of the methods used concerning the methodology when looking at a specific topic
It is essential for sociology to create a concept of methods of data aquiration and analysis taking the diversity of sociology into account. The reconstruction of subjective world views and experiences needs to be a part of empirical methods and the analysis of structural connection. Our goal is to teach a broad spectrum of hermeneutiv qualitative and quantitative methods of acquiring and analysing data. This includes the demonstration of being able to correctly apply these methods in research.