Which sociologist used scientific methods and statistics to explore societal phenomena such as suicide?

Emile Durkheim is recognized for employing scientific methods and statistical analysis to study social phenomena, including the notable investigation of suicide. His landmark work, "Le Suicide," revealed how societal factors influence individual behaviors, highlighting that suicide rates vary according to social conditions rather than being solely personal or psychological issues. Durkheim established a systematic approach in sociology, advocating that social facts should be measured and analyzed just like physical facts in natural sciences. This foundational use of empirical research techniques helped to elevate sociology to a recognized academic discipline and established the importance of quantitative data in understanding complex social dynamics.

The other figures, while influential in the field of sociology, approached their studies differently. C. Wright Mills focused on the relationship between personal troubles and public issues, emphasizing the role of social structures but not primarily through statistical analysis. Max Weber introduced interpretive understanding and qualitative research to explore social action rather than relying heavily on statistics. Karl Marx analyzed class struggles and economic systems through a critical lens but did not utilize statistical methods in the way Durkheim did. Therefore, Durkheim stands out for his pioneering application of scientific methods to explore societal issues.