Introduction to the Social Sciences Concepts

Social Sciences

The study of human society and social relationships using systematic methods. It includes disciplines like anthropology, psychology, and sociology.

Social Sciences - Significance

Helps us understand and analyze human behavior, societal trends, and social problems in order to find solutions and improve quality of life.

Social Science Inquiry Model

A structured, step-by-step process used to investigate social issues: 1) Identify problem, 2) Develop hypothesis, 3) Gather data, 4) Analyze, 5) Draw conclusions.

Social Science Inquiry Model - Significance

Ensures that research in social sciences is objective, evidence-based, and methodologically sound.

Anthropology

The study of human beings, their origins, cultures, and development across time.

Anthropology - Significance

Provides insight into cultural diversity, human evolution, and what it means to be human.

Culture

The shared beliefs, behaviors, values, and practices of a group. It is learned, shared among people, and evolves over time.

Culture - Significance

Culture shapes identity, social roles, communication, and everyday life.

Participant Observation

A research method where the researcher lives within and observes a group to understand their behaviors and culture.

Participant Observation - Significance

Offers deep, first-hand insight into social dynamics and cultural practices.

Operant & Classical Conditioning

Classical Conditioning is learning through association (Pavlov). Operant Conditioning is learning through rewards and punishments (Skinner).

Operant & Classical Conditioning - Significance

Helps explain behavior formation and modification in both humans and animals.

Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural Relativism

Ethnocentrism is judging another culture using the standards of your own. Cultural Relativism is understanding a culture on its own terms.

Ethnocentrism vs. Cultural Relativism - Significance

Promotes tolerance and reduces cultural bias.

Ethnology

A branch of anthropology comparing and analyzing characteristics of different peoples.

Ethnology - Significance

Helps anthropologists understand how cultures differ and what they share.

Physical vs. Cultural Anthropology

Physical Anthropology studies human biological evolution. Cultural Anthropology studies cultural practices, beliefs, and social roles.

Physical vs. Cultural Anthropology - Significance

Both fields complement each other to offer a holistic view of humanity.

Characteristics of a Good Theory

A good theory is logical, testable, consistent, evidence-based, and predictive.

Psychology

The scientific study of the human mind and behavior.

Psychology - Significance

Informs education, therapy, and understanding of mental health and cognition.

Theoretical vs. Clinical Psychology

Theoretical/Experimental focuses on research; Clinical (psychiatry) focuses on treating mental health disorders.

Theoretical vs. Clinical Psychology - Significance

Theoretical builds knowledge; Clinical applies it to improve lives.

Nature vs. Nurture

Debate on whether genetics (nature) or environment (nurture) shapes human behavior.

Nature vs. Nurture - Significance

Essential to understanding development, personality, and behavior.

Sociology

The study of social behavior, organization, and institutions.

Sociology - Significance

Helps explain how society operates and how individuals are shaped by it.

Values

Shared beliefs about what is important or worthwhile.

Values - Significance

Influence individual behavior and social norms.

Norms

Rules and expectations that guide behavior in society.

Norms - Significance

Help maintain social order and predictability.

Roles

Expected behaviors associated with a particular social position.

Roles - Significance

Define how individuals function in social settings.

Status & Hierarchy

Status is one's social position. Hierarchy is the ranking of statuses.

Status & Hierarchy - Significance

Affects power dynamics and access to resources.

Diffusion & Acculturation

Diffusion is the spread of cultural elements. Acculturation is cultural change from contact.

Diffusion & Acculturation - Significance

Explains cultural interaction and globalization.

Social Change

Evolutionary change is gradual and linear; Cyclical change is repeating.

Social Change - Significance

Provides frameworks for understanding societal development.

Social Epidemic

Rapid spread of behaviors or ideas throughout society.

Social Epidemic - Significance

Explains trends or sudden cultural shifts.

Cognitive Dissonance

Mental discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs or behaviors.

Cognitive Dissonance - Significance

Motivates individuals to resolve inconsistencies and change behavior.

Paradigm Shift

A fundamental change in thinking or approach.

Paradigm Shift - Significance

Marks transformation in ideas and practices.

Primary vs. Secondary Groups

Primary groups are intimate (family), secondary are impersonal (coworkers).

Primary vs. Secondary Groups - Significance

Shape identity and influence social behavior.