Research: Hard science vs. social science

[musik2468]

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Do medical schools prefer to see research in a hard science like chemistry or biology over research in psychology?

 

[StIGMA]

Any research could be beneficial over no research, as long as you do not become deficient in your other activities.

If you champion your desire to be a leading cancer researcher, of course psychology/social science research would be detrimental compared to hard science. Otherwise, it probably will not make a huge difference. If you are applying to a major research university, certain programs or adcoms may very well favor hard science, though (just speculation).

Essentially, if you show through research that you can think independently and test hypotheses, this can only be a benefit to your application. So do what you want to do, not what you think people expect of you.

 

[RySerr21]

Any research could be beneficial over no research, as long as you do not become deficient in your other activities.

If you champion your desire to be a leading cancer researcher, of course psychology/social science research would be detrimental compared to hard science. Otherwise, it probably will not make a huge difference. If you are applying to a major research university, certain programs or adcoms may very well favor hard science, though (just speculation).

Essentially, if you show through research that you can think independently and test hypotheses, this can only be a benefit to your application. So do what you want to do, not what you think people expect of you.

really thats the only thing that matters

 

[theroadtomed]

Social science research is weak sauce.

 

[RySerr21]

Social science research is weak sauce.

if your opinion mattered that comment might mean something. but since it doenst, its pretty useless.

 

[theroadtomed]

if your opinion mattered that comment might mean something. but since it doenst, its pretty useless.

Social science research simply doesn't compare to hard science bench research. It may be useful, but IMHO, they are in two different leagues.

 

[mdmdt]

Social science research simply doesn't compare to hard science bench research. It may be useful, but IMHO, they are in two different leagues.

Sure they are in two different leagues, they are covering completely different material and therefore you can't say that one is "weaker" than the other. Good social science research can provide just as solid, usable data as hard science research.

As far as admissions go, do what you enjoy. Your passion and dedication will be what stands out to the adcoms, and it will be obvious if you're doing something you don't enjoy just to fill your resume.

 

[n3opologist]

I'm not going to defend myself, but I guarantee that my archaeological research will stand out more than basic hard science research. I'll let you know how my interviews go in terms of questions they ask me about archaeology. One good thing is that no matter what you tell the adcoms (most) about your social science research, it will probably be new to them.

Do what you're passionate about... just make sure you can relate it to your career in medicine.

Social science research is weak sauce.

I think it's hot sauce!!! Spicy and savory hot sauce.

 

[hants]

totally agree in that it is impossible to judge these two very distinct fields of research. http://flyvbjerg.plan.aau.dk/Publications2006/ForesightNo2PRINT.pdfis a interesting article that in short describes the faults/benefits of social science research

 

[JLC]

I'm not going to defend myself, but I guarantee that my archaeological research will stand out more than basic hard science research. I'll let you know how my interviews go in terms of questions they ask me about archaeology. One good thing is that no matter what you tell the adcoms (most) about your social science research, it will probably be new to them.

Do what you're passionate about... just make sure you can relate it to your career in medicine.




I think it's hot sauce!!! Spicy and savory hot sauce.

That is really cool research!