Applied Social Science: Understanding Our World, Shaping Our Future

Vocabulary flashcards that review key terms and concepts introduced in the lecture on Applied Social Science.

Science

Systematic knowledge acquired through observation, experimentation, and the scientific method.

Natural Science

Branch of science that studies naturally existing objects or phenomena such as matter, the human body, and the Earth.

Physical Science

Field within natural science that investigates non-living systems (e.g., chemistry, physics).

Life Science

Also called Biology; the study of living organisms (e.g., zoology, botany).

Earth Science

Interdisciplinary study of Earth and its place in the universe (e.g., geology, meteorology, oceanography, astronomy).

Social Science

Science of people or groups, examining individual and collective behavior, societies, and cultures.

Psychology

Scientific study of the mind and behavior.

Sociology

Study of society, social relationships, interaction patterns, and culture.

Economics

Social science analyzing the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Key Difference: Natural vs. Social Science

Natural science investigates the natural world; social science investigates the human world.

Basic (Pure) Social Science

Research aimed at understanding society and individual–environment relationships without immediate practical application.

Applied Social Science

Use of social-science theories and knowledge to address real-world issues and environments.

Social Work

Applied social science focused on enhancing well-being and helping people meet basic needs.

Counseling

Applied field that uses psychological principles to help individuals resolve personal, social, or psychological problems.

Communication (as a social science)

Applied study of how information is conveyed and understood among people and groups.

Scientific Method

Structured process of observation, hypothesis formation, data gathering, and conclusion to produce reliable knowledge.

Research Process

Series of steps: identifying the problem, observation, formulating hypothesis, gathering data, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations.

Independent Variable

The ‘cause’ variable that is deliberately changed or controlled in research.

Dependent Variable

The ‘effect’ variable that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable.

Research Methods

Systematic ways social scientists collect information (e.g., surveys, experiments, naturalistic observations, case studies).

Informed Consent

Ethical principle requiring participants to be fully aware of the research and voluntarily agree to take part.

Confidentiality

Promise that information provided by participants will be kept private and secure.

Debriefing

Post-study explanation of the research purpose and procedures to participants, ensuring no lasting harm.