Social science can help us address many of our most pressing problems, from economic sustainability and mental health support, to relationship strengthening. No wonder its application is so widespread; and colleges and universities now offer specialization degrees so students can become experts in this area.

Studies of social issues typically begin by trying to understand why certain behaviors emerge among human populations. This type of problem, known as an empirical issue, can be observed, measured and understood using scientific tools.

One approach for better comprehending these phenomena is developing a hypothesis. A hypothesis is an educated guess predicting outcomes which can then be compared with actual results, allowing scientists to test if their explanations are valid, providing stronger evidence base that future researchers can utilize.

Modern social sciences emerged during Europe's Age of Enlightenment during much of the 18th century. Philosophers like Adam Smith, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Denis Diderot and Immanuel Kant began taking more systematic approaches to studying their surroundings by trying to find social laws which met scientific standards similar to nature - this new perspective gave rise to various fields such as anthropology, biology, history and political science.

Historians maintain that to gain insight into the past it is only through studying remnants and evidence left by past societies - these primary sources. Once historians have this raw material they can convert it into history (though purists might point out this work may become another source for other historians as well; nevertheless it should only be taken as one part of consideration.)

Understand that all sources are incomplete in some manner - often due to unwitting errors and prejudices of their authors - but the historian must use his or her expertise and discern which are most significant.

Studying history also equips individuals with an ability to distinguish among competing interpretations. This skill is particularly vital as one cannot gain an insight into society without being able to see past multiple interpretations of events.

History is the study of human values, so it inevitably poses unique challenges to scholarly investigations. History's emphasis on understanding is especially susceptible to propagandistic claims and disagreement over what constitutes truth; but historians who work collectively together can gain access to an increasingly accurate knowledge of history which contributes to social science as an essential field.