Final answer:
Applied social science is not fixed in its approach; it is flexible and responsive to societal changes. It employs both systematic and adaptable methods to address social problems and is open to various research frameworks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'Is applied social science fixed in its approach?' can be answered with (B) False. The approach in applied social science, much like any scientific field, is not rigid or unchangeable. Instead, it is adaptive and responsive to the complexities of social issues and the needs of society. For instance, public sociology aims to address societal concerns by creating or influencing policies, which requires flexibility and the ability to respond to ongoing societal changes. This approach contrasts with more traditional, objective sociological research, demonstrating a dynamic and situation-specific method rather than a fixed one.
Examining the scientific method in the context of social research shows the systematic, yet adaptable strategies utilized in sociological studies. Researchers ask specific questions about social trends and follow systematic approaches to analyze social problems objectively and consistently. Nonetheless, they remain adaptable to unique situations, opting for the scientific approach or interpretive frameworks based on the context of their research (Merton 1963).