I don't care much about social sciences* tbh, I find the value of philosophy of science in some "harder" science really (in general and also in specific sciences, in biology for example). In terms of what way of thinking in science makes sense and why (e.g. how many sensible scientific methods exist) and specific issues in sciences (e.g. biology as I said, for its basic/important concepts etc). I agree with your last sentence with how there needs to be a background understanding that goes past the subject being discussed itself... like, not just "staying in the box" but be a bit "about the box" too, instead.
*: I only really care about the part of psychology that's not a social science, too - my approach is too different for that