Final answer:
Common sense is inherently subjective and based on personal experiences, lacking the universal applicability and rigor of sociological research, which uses systematic methods to gather and analyze data, ensuring reliability, validity, and objectivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common sense cannot replace sociological research because it is typically influenced by personal experiences and biases, which may not be universally applicable or reliable. In contrast, sociological research uses systematic methods and empirical evidence to explore and understand social phenomena. This evidence is gathered through well-established research methods, such as experiments, surveys, and field research, which are designed to provide reliable, valid, and objective results. Moreover, sociological research allows for a deeper understanding by consistently examining well-defined patterns and relationships within a social context.
The use of the scientific method in sociological research ensures that studies are carefully planned and conducted, offering a series of steps that promote objectivity and consistency. Empirical evidence is, therefore, less likely to be colored by the researcher's personal views or limited data, and peer review and replication in different contexts add to the validity of the conclusions drawn. This contrasts significantly with common sense, which lacks such rigorous validation processes.