What method did Emile Durkheim advocate for in sociology?

Emile Durkheim, often referred to as one of the founding figures of sociology, strongly advocated for the application of scientific methods and statistics to the study of social phenomena. He believed that sociology should be treated as a science, which meant grounding sociological inquiry in empirical data and objective analysis.

Durkheim emphasized the importance of collecting data, formulating hypotheses, and testing them against observable facts. In his seminal work, he utilized statistical methods to analyze social phenomena, like suicide rates, demonstrating how social factors influence individual actions. This approach allowed Durkheim to reveal patterns and correlations that could explain complex social issues, such as the impact of social integration and regulation on individual behaviors.

The other methods mentioned, such as subjective interpretation or qualitative research methods, do not align with Durkheim's vision of sociology. He maintained that sociology should focus on the external social facts that can be measured and analyzed, thus reinforcing his emphasis on a scientific approach.