BA Economics vs BA Sociology: Which Is More Research-Oriented?

BA Economics and BA Sociology both are research-driven subjects. Particular tools are used by the experts to do extensive research. So, if you are interested in research, choosing one course can be a little difficult. While BA Economics focuses on economic models and quantitative data, BA Sociology explores social relationships, institutions, and cultural patterns, involving more qualitative research.

Let us find out which of the two courses is more research-oriented and which of the tools are used by the experts for research. You can check the comparison and then choose between BA Economics and BA Sociology.
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BA Economics vs BA Sociology: Overview of Subjects

In a BA Economics course, you will learn to allocate scarce resources, focus on demand and supply, market behaviour and policy analysis. The important subjects that are a part of this course are Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, Econometrics and Statistics and Public Finance and Policy. While studying BA Economics, you will learn how to do quantitative research using mathematical modelling and data interpretation.

During BA Sociology , you will study human behaviour, interaction and how humans depend on social institutions. The topics that you will learn are Social Theory and Research Methods, Gender and Society, Urban and Rural Sociology and Culture, Identity, and Social Change. Sociology, on the other hand, deals with qualitative research, through interviews, case studies, and observation.

Scope of Research in BA Economics

Research in BA Economics is data-driven, where Economists build models for hypothesis testing and prove cause-and-effect. They use econometric tools and statistical software such as STATA, R, or SPSS for research. These studies are used by the government for various decision-making processes.

Scope of Research in BA Sociology

In Sociology, the research is more experimental, where interviews, observation and analysis are conducted for a thorough research. During the research process, Sociologists aspire to understand why people behave in certain ways and how this shapes human behaviour. A student often explores topics such as class inequality or migration, and community integration.

BA Economics vs BA Sociology: A Comparative Analysis

If you want to focus on research, then take a look at the comparison table for BA Economics vs BA Sociology.

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BA Economics vs BA Sociology: Which Is More Research-Oriented?

From the above table, you can understand that both degrees heavily rely on research, but in different ways. BA Economics focuses on statistical speculation, while BA Sociology stresses social meaning.

Research in BA Economics means systematic data analysis, modelling, and hypothesis testing. You need to do extensive research using datasets, research papers etc., that are applicable to academic and policy research.

A BA Sociology can be equally research-intensive, involving fieldwork, critical analysis and interpretation that require time, depth and sensitivity.
If you are someone who enjoys data and models, then BA Economics will be ideal for you to research. However, if you are more interested in social patterns, then BA Sociology is the right choice for you.

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