http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Browse/itunes.open.ac.uk.1536214776.01551095063 Open University Challenge of the Social Sciences - Audio This course focuses on two interlinked issues: the philosophical questions that arise in social science research, and research methods. Social inquiry attempts to take a scientific approach to explaining the complexity of everyday experiences, but in practice there are many pitfalls. The course reviews common issues that arise, including language, culture, survey methods and the problems of distinguishing between facts and values, understanding and explanation, theory and observation, and induction and deduction. The central tenet is that philosophical thinking and practical research go hand in hand. This material is taken from the Open University course D820 The challenge of the social sciences. Social Science Open University no Professor Chris Hamnett discusses his study of housing issues and its relevance to social scientists. Professor Chris Hamnett discusses his study of housing issues and its relevance to social scientists. Professor Chris Hamnett discusses his study of housing issues and its relevance to social scientists. 1555714294 Fri, 30 May 2008 01:52:32 GMT Open University 0:10:36 no Social Science Open University Lila Baker from Shelter discusses the impact of policymaking on housing issues. Lila Baker from Shelter discusses the impact of policymaking on housing issues. Lila Baker from Shelter discusses the impact of policymaking on housing issues. 1555714296 Fri, 30 May 2008 01:51:32 GMT Open University 0:18:07 no Social Science Open University Annabel Thomas on the experiences of homeless women in Brighton. Annabel Thomas on the experiences of homeless women in Brighton. Annabel Thomas on the experiences of homeless women in Brighton. 1555714298 Fri, 30 May 2008 01:50:32 GMT Open University 0:10:22 no Social Science Open University Stephen talks about being a scientist and what it means to him. Stephen talks about being a scientist and what it means to him. Stephen talks about being a scientist and what it means to him. 1555714300 Fri, 30 May 2008 01:49:32 GMT Open University 0:12:21 no Social Science Open University Stephen talks about the concept of science, how it has changed over the centuries, and its link to theology. Stephen talks about the concept of science, how it has changed over the centuries, and its link to theology. Stephen talks about the concept of science, how it has changed over the centuries, and its link to theology. 1555714302 Fri, 30 May 2008 01:48:32 GMT Open University 0:11:42 no Social Science Open University Professor Andrew Sayer discusses the purpose and method of social science. Professor Andrew Sayer discusses the purpose and method of social science. Professor Andrew Sayer discusses the purpose and method of social science. 1555714304 Fri, 30 May 2008 01:47:32 GMT Open University 0:18:51 no Social Science Open University