What's the equivalent of physics constants for social studies?
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.
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.
C is still a constant, no?
E = mc^2is not an equation relating to gravity in the way you imply, that'd be the Einstein Field Equation [1], which still depend onG. And as far as we know,cis also a constant.Then I'd guess a bunch of statistical constants probably show up in the humanities all the time. Is that what you are looking for, or some closed form expression with the constant?
[1] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein_field_equations
Look, Mr Hari Seldon, you're going to need to work these out on your own.
TIL https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Seldon
TIL??
Oh man, you are lucky. You have the chance to read the Foundation series for the first time. I'm kinda jealous and highly recommend it.
Death and taxes? 🤔
that got me rolling 😂
You reminded me of this exchange between Robert Cousins and Andrew Gelman:
Really interesting discussion, thanks for sharing 🙏
I think gravity and light work the same on psych majors as it does physics and engineering students....
I kid.
So in biology I know e the Euler number is important. It is used in growth equations (from finance to physics as well).
Statistics is fucking huge in every field. That is how you measure uncertainty. Bell curves and the Five Numbers and all that stuff is how you analysis thousands of widgets coming off an assembly line, or measurements in the social sciences field.
I believe Dr. Slipknot put it best. People = Sh%t.