A scientific approach in social science research should take into account which of the following?
1.Metaphysical elements
2.Spurious relations
3.The factor of co-variation
4.Time order
5.The possibility of theorisation
A1, 2 and 3 only
B2, 3 and 4 only ✓ Correct
C3, 4 and 5 only
D1, 2 and 5 only
Correct answer: (B) 2, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
A scientific approach in social science must take spurious relations, co-variation and time order into account, the three criteria for inferring a causal relationship, so statements 2, 3 and 4 apply.
Metaphysical elements lie beyond empirical testing and have no place in a scientific approach.
Ruling out spurious relations ensures an observed link is genuine and not due to a third factor.
Co-variation shows that the two variables change together.
Time order confirms that the cause precedes the effect in sequence.
Theorisation is a goal of science but is not one of the three causal criteria.
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