unit 1 test review- introduction to social sciences& social change

Unit 1 Test Review - Introduction to Social Sciences & Social Change

Part A: Multiple Choice [Knowledge - 20 marks]

Social sciences vs. natural sciences 1.1

the natural sciences, which involve the study of the physical world,

Social science uses research to analysis to explain human behavior

Different from humanities,studies culture of human culture Ex. Literature, art and music, Social Science is concerned with what people think and how they act

Focus of sociology, anthropology, and psychology 1.1

Sociology is the study of how humans in society and how it works

Psychology is the study of human behavior, feeling/emotions and personal development. Past experiences, mind, and individual

Anthropology is the study of human cultures/human species and they develop throughout the world

Definitions and examples of social change 1.1

Social Change is changes in society that is organized in beliefs/practice of people that live in it

A Social Change can happen if theres a group of people or an individual, and it can be either intentional or unintentional

Many peoples lives will change

Ex. Civil Rights Movement,

Social Strain Theory (Merton) 1.7

Cognitive dissonance 1.3

Cognitive dissonance is when you believe two things that don’t match, and it makes you feel uncomfortable until you find a way to fix the conflict.

Research methods (longitudinal vs. cross-sectional studies) 1.2

Solomon Asch’s conformity experiment 1.2

Conducted by Solomon Asch in the 1950s

Participants were asked to match the length of a line on one card to one of three lines on another card.

Each participant was placed in a group with several confederates (individuals who were in on the experiment)

The confederates would unanimously give incorrect answers on certain trials.

The main variable measured was the number of times the participant conformed to the incorrect group consensus.

Cyclical, Challenge and Response, Evolutionary Theories of Change 1.5

Evolutionary Theory of Change

This theory tells us that all societies evolve from simple beginnings and over time become more complex.

Evolutionary theorists would argue that progress is measured by a society’s ability to innovate.

EX. Early societies relied on oral storytelling. Over time, writing, the printing press, and digital communication emerged.

Evolutionary theorists see this as progress, showing society’s ability to innovate and become more complex

Cyclical Theory of Change

This theory proposes that change in society is similar to the changing of the seasons.

Every season brings with it different conditions; it reaches a pinnacle (peak) and then moves on to the next season, only to return again.

In the same way, trends, traditions, beliefs, and values in society are cyclical, coming into “fashion” in one period and falling out of favour in another

EX. For instance, baggy jeans were popular in the 1990s, then replaced by skinny jeans in the 2000s. Now, baggy jeans have made a comeback, showing how fashion trends reach a peak, fade away, and then return in cycles.

The Challenge & Response Theory of Change

Theory is attributed to British historian Arnold Toynbee (1889-1975), who suggested that the rise and fall of civilizations had to do with their response to challenges.

EX. The pandemic posed a major global challenge, affecting public health, economies, and daily life.

Lessons from past pandemics, such as the 1918 flu, helped guide responses, showing how societies that learn from history and innovate are more likely to overcome challenges.

Kohlberg’s stages of moral development 1.7

Moral Dev. : refers to the process of learning and internalizing societal values, ethics, and principles to distinguish right from wrong and guide personal behavior.

Erikson’s psychosocial development (Identity vs. Role Confusion, Generativity vs. Stagnation) 1.7

Psychosocial Dev. : refers to the interaction between psychological factors (thoughts, emotions) and social influences (relationships, culture) in shaping a person’s development and well-being.

8 stages of identity development from child-adult

Each stage presents a dilemma, in which the person is challenged by new situations and circumstances in life

Resolving each dilemma = ready for next stage

Failure to do so = difficulty later in life

Trust vs. Mistrust (0–1 year)

Babies learn whether they can trust the world based on how caregivers respond.

Good care → trust. Neglect → mistrust.

Autonomy vs. Shame & Doubt (1–3 years)

Kids want independence (e.g., toilet training, feeding themselves).

Support → confidence. Over-criticism → shame/doubt.

Initiative vs. Guilt (3–6 years)

Preschoolers try new activities and lead play.

Encouragement → initiative. Discouragement → guilt.

Industry vs. Inferiority (6–12 years)

School-age kids work on skills and goals.

Success → feeling capable. Failure/no recognition → feeling inferior.

Identity vs. Role Confusion (12–18 years)

Teens explore “Who am I?” through roles, values, and choices.

Success → strong identity. Confusion → insecurity/rebellion.

Intimacy vs. Isolation (18–40 years)

Young adults seek close relationships.

Healthy bonds → intimacy. Avoidance/fear → isolation.

Generativity vs. Stagnation (40–65 years)

Middle-aged adults want to guide/help the next generation (raising kids, mentoring).

Contribution → purpose. Lack of involvement → stagnation/feeling stuck.

Integrity vs. Despair (65+ years)

Older adults reflect on life.

Satisfaction → integrity (peaceful acceptance). Regret → despair.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and social change 1.8

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Simplified)

People have 5 basic levels of needs (like a pyramid):

Physiological → food, water, sleep.

Safety → shelter, health, financial security.

Love & Belonging → family, friends, relationships.

Esteem → respect, confidence, recognition.