This document discusses social science and its importance. Social science is defined as the study of society and human behavior. It is important because it helps us understand social issues like groups, values and politics using tools like surveys and interviews. Social science benefits society by helping us imagine alternative futures and make sense of current issues like the economy. It also contributes to public health and policy. While social scientists have personal values, research aims to be objective using scientific methods. Issues around research include acknowledging researcher biases and considering different cultural perspectives.