Chapter 1.1 Introduction to Social Science
Social Sciences (Social Studies) - Those disciplines that use research and analysis to examine human behaviour.
Three techniques used by social scientists (3C's):
1) Conduct Experiments
2) Collecting and analyzing statistics
3) Contemplating other people's work in the past
The importance of social sciences:
1) Social scientists can identify a problem and/or factors leading to a problems (ex. P.5-7 Honda plant workers)
2) Social scientists can help people make informed decisions about issues (ex. P.6-9 Death penalty debate)
Chapter 1.2 Notes
Psychology - The systematic study of people's thoughts, feelings and behaviours (which is determined by their personality - one's relatively unchanging personal characteristics)
i) Their inquiry: What factors in one's personality led them to behave the way they do?
ii) Their Assumption: An individual's personality is shaped by hereditary traits determined by genetics (nature) and their lifetime experiences (nurture).
Sociology - The scientific study of the development, structure & functioning of human society.
i) Their inquiry: What factors are there in the lives of people who behave similarly?
ii) Their Assumption: People who behave similarly can be compared to obtain a conclusion.
Anthropology - The study of cultures and customs of human beings.
i) Their Inquiry: What are the values in one's culture that influence their behaviour?
ii) Their Assumption: The media affects human behaviour.