Social Science 1st Quarter Long Test 1

Social Sciences

The study of human society and relationships among individuals.

Natural Science

Focuses on nature and the physical world, using empirical evidence.

Importance of Social Science

Helps understand human life, cultural evolution, and encourages active citizenship.

Society

A group of interacting individuals sharing territory and culture.

Culture

Shared practices, values, beliefs, norms, and artifacts of a group.

Major Social Science Disciplines

Anthropology, Archaeology, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Linguistics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology.

Symbolic Interactionism

A sociological perspective that focuses on symbols as the basis of social life.

Gene-Culture Coevolution

The idea that culture is influenced by biological mechanisms and evolves over generations.

Rational Decision-Making

The process of making choices based on reason and logic, balancing desires and societal expectations.

Enculturation

The process of acquiring cultural practices and values.

Socialization

Learning to live within one's culture, enhancing thinking, love, and communication.

Conformity

Acting in a socially acceptable manner, often influenced by group pressure.

Deviance

Behavior that violates established social norms.

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

A theory outlining the progression of moral reasoning through three levels.

Looking-Glass Self

Cooley's theory that self-concept is shaped by how we think others perceive us.

Dramaturgical Theory

Goffman's perspective that social interactions are like performances in a theater.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages

A theory describing eight stages of human development, each characterized by a specific conflict.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A motivational theory proposing that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy from physiological to self-actualization.

Social Institutions

Enduring organizations that influence behavior, such as family, school, and government.

Social Systems

Networks of groups, organizations, and institutions that interact within a society.