Chapter 1 ISS

aim of social science

To study human behavior, relationships, and societies systematically, looking for patterns, explanations, and predictions about interactions.

probability

used to predict the likelihood of events or behaviors based on patterns and data, helping researchers make educated guesses.

epistemology

The study of knowledge, examining how we know what we know through experience, reasoning, and research.

methodology

The techniques and procedures used in research to gather and analyze data, including experiments, surveys, interviews, and observations.

tradition and authority

Tradition refers to long-standing beliefs, while authority refers to expert opinions; both can lead to misinformation.

inaccurate observation

Misinterpreting or incorrectly remembering events.

overgeneralization

Applying findings from a small group to everyone.

selective observation

Focusing only on evidence that supports our beliefs.

illogical reasoning

Drawing conclusions that don’t logically follow from the evidence.

variable

Something that can change or vary, such as age or income.

attribute

A specific value or category of a variable that characterizes a person or thing.

independent variable

The cause or factor that influences something, like study time.

dependent variable?

The effect or outcome influenced by the independent variable, such as test scores.

idiographic

detailed explanation of a single event or person

Nomothetic

Broad,generak explanations that apply to many cases

agency

The belief that people have free will and make independent choices.

Determinism

the idea that peoples actions are shaped by external forces

Qualitative

descriptive research using words, observations and meaning (interviews, case studies)

Quantitave

research using numbers and statistics to measure patterns (surveys, experiments)