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What's the equivalent of physics constants for social studies? (reddthat.com)

submitted 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) by [email protected] to c/askscience

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In physics, it's common to develop a formula and then stick a constant to explain the unknown. For example, Newton's theory of gravity uses the gravitational constant G on the formula F = G * m_1 * m_2 / r^2, later on Einstein gave a more accurate explanation with the theory of relativity which does not rely on a constant E = m * c^2. Constants provide a good enough explanation of the laws of physics that's useful for centuries.

I was wondering what's the equivalent in social studies? How do researchers deal with the uncertainty of human behaviour?

Edit: Comments made me remember how much I don't understand the theory of relativity, terrible example, sorry for the confusion. I need to rephrase the question but I don't know how.

I am looking for "glue" concepts, things that help connect observations with theory, aka if I calculate m_1 * m_2 / r^2 the result is slightly off but if I account for G, an empirical constant derived from observation, then everything makes sense for the observable universe.

Also, as someone said, I am referring to social studies.

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[–] [email protected] 11 points 9 months ago

I believe you mean social sciences. They do that by indicating statistical significance or deviation.

Humanities, like philosophy, languages and arts don't use formulas all that much to describe their work, but it could probably be done using a similar statistical approach for some things.