Notes: Reading Textbooks in the Natural and Social Sciences

Disciplines and their Languages

  • Disciplines listed: Language, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies.

  • Language: oral communication, EAPP, creative writing, and 21st century

  • Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics

  • Mathematics: General, Mathematics, Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry

  • Social Studies: Understanding Culture, Economics, History, and Political Science

Nature of Knowledge in the Natural and Social Sciences

  • Nature of Knowledge in these disciplines is presented as knowledge produced through systematic inquiry, observation, and interpretation across natural and social contexts.

Natural Science vs Social Science: Core Idea

  • Natural Science deals with the natural phenomena and physical variables.

  • Social Science deals with the social behavior of individuals and science communities.

Natural Science vs Social Science: Definitions

  • Natural Science: Branch of science that deals with the physical world.

  • Social Science: Study of human society and social relationships.

Examples of Disciplines by Type

  • Natural Science examples: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Astronomy.

  • Social Science examples: Economics, Political Science, Geography, History, Law, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology.

Relationships Between Disciplines (Cross-cutting Themes)

  • Natural Science vs Social Science involves different subject matter: matter/energy vs human society and interpersonal relations.

  • Both engage in inquiry through methods appropriate to their subject matter.

Methods and Data in Natural vs Social Sciences

  • Natural Science: Always uses scientific methods

  • Social Science: Uses scientific methods as well as other methods; collects and analyzes qualitative or quantitative data.

  • Scientific methods include: Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis, Conclusion.

  • Other methods used in social sciences: field surveys, ethnographic research, action research.

  • Names of steps in shorthand: O, Q, H, E, A, C (Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis, Conclusion).

Professors and Professionals by Field

  • Natural Science professionals: Medical doctors, nurses, engineers, biologists, chemists, and astronomers.

  • Social Science professionals: Lawyers, linguists, historians, writers, journalists, teachers, and accountants.

What Natural and Social Sciences Study

  • Natural Science definition: Is any of the science that deals with matter, energy, and their interrelations and transformations or with processes observable in nature.

  • Social Science definition: Is any of the sciences that deals with the institutions and functioning of human and society as well as the interpersonal relations of individuals as members of society.

Example Disciplines (Specific Lists)

  • Natural Science: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Astronomy, Zoology, Botany.

  • Social Science: Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Anthropology, History, Geography, Psychology.

Laws, Worldview, and Roles

  • Natural Science often associated with Laws of Nature and the physical world.

  • Social Science involves Society, People’s Role, Government.

Evolution and Structure of the Sciences

  • Arose 300 years later: Social Science emerged after Natural Science.

  • Differences between Social and Natural Sciences:

    • Social Science deals with human beings and their emotions/behavior; Natural Science deals with objects and physical phenomena.

    • Social Science emphasizes experiential data and open systems; Natural Science emphasizes controlled variables, experimental data, and closed systems.

    • Social Science uses alternative methods of observation and interaction with people; Natural Science relies more on repetitive laboratory experiments.

  • Timeline reference: Started during the 16th and 17th century for Social Science; Natural Science earlier.

Language of the Natural and Social Sciences

  • All knowledge in these disciplines is labeled as results of applying the scientific method.

  • Both disciplines have empirical data: realistic data derived from practical experiences; credibility reviewed by experts.

Nature of Information Presentation

  • Information is presented in a deductive manner: principles and theories are stated first and then supported by concrete, specific evidence.

  • Deductive presentation supports general principles with empirical examples.

Research and the Scientific Method

  • RESEARCH: Both natural and social sciences are products of research.

  • The Scientific Method acronym: OQHEAC (Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis, Conclusion).

  • Steps in detail:

    • O — Observation

    • Q — Question

    • H — Hypothesis

    • E — Experiment

    • A — Analysis

    • C — Conclusion

  • This acronym is used to summarize the process of inquiry across disciplines.

Practical Note on Data and Validation

  • Empirical data: Realistic data relying on practical experiences.

  • Validation occurs through expert or professional review to ascertain credibility.

Quotation and Closing Thoughts

  • Stay Safe: "The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you will go." — Dr. Seuss

Religious/Closing Remarks (Contextual Closure)

  • Closing prayer content present: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us! Our Father, St. Dominic, pray for us! Amen.