Final answer:
Scientific sociology aims to establish causal relationships between variables by using the scientific method and ensuring the validity and reliability of the results.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scientific sociology observes how variables are related and tries to establish causal relationships. The process includes operationalizing concepts to ensure that all researchers can collect data systematically, leading to replicable results. By establishing independent and dependent variables, researchers work to identify and prove the influence one variable has over another.
To ensure objectivity and consistency, sociological research often employs the scientific method. Formulating hypotheses is crucial in this process, predicting how one variable (independent) may affect another (dependent). For instance, how does gender (the independent variable) affect the rate of income (the dependent variable)? or how is social class (the dependent variable) affected by the level of education (the independent variable)?
Through systematic experimentation and observation, sociologists strive for validity and reliability in their studies, ensuring the research accurately measures what it's intended to and can be discussed and analyzed on a shared basis.