How should crime and social phenomena be studied according to positivism?

Positivism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the use of empirical observation and scientific methods to study social phenomena, including crime. This perspective is rooted in the belief that knowledge should be derived from observable and measurable facts rather than personal opinions, anecdotal accounts, or subjective interpretations. By focusing on empirical observation, researchers can gather data through systematic observation, experimentation, and statistical analysis, enabling them to identify patterns, correlations, and causal relationships in crime and social behavior.

This scientific approach allows for a more objective and reliable understanding of crime, as it seeks to base conclusions on solid evidence rather than conjecture or individual experiences. Consequently, positivism advocates for the application of rigorous methodologies that ensure findings are replicable and can contribute to predictive theories in criminology and sociology. This emphasis on data-driven research distinguishes positivism from approaches that may rely on personal beliefs, literary interpretations, or anecdotal evidence, which do not provide the same level of empirical support for understanding social phenomena.