Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the main purposes of the social sciences?
What is one of the main purposes of the social sciences?
- To devise mathematical models of economic behavior
- To create artistic representations of cultural events
- To understand human interactions and societal behaviors (correct)
- To study purely physical phenomena
Which social science discipline may examine the historical foundations that influenced its development?
Which social science discipline may examine the historical foundations that influenced its development?
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Psychology (correct)
Which of the following is NOT a learning objective of the social sciences?
Which of the following is NOT a learning objective of the social sciences?
- Understand the principles of quantum mechanics (correct)
- Explain the interconnectivity among social science fields
- Identify the practical applications of social sciences
- Trace the historical context of social science disciplines
How do the various disciplines of social sciences primarily differ?
How do the various disciplines of social sciences primarily differ?
What is a critical aspect of the study in social sciences?
What is a critical aspect of the study in social sciences?
What philosophical approach did Auguste Comte introduce?
What philosophical approach did Auguste Comte introduce?
Which figure is credited with the phrase 'survival of the fittest'?
Which figure is credited with the phrase 'survival of the fittest'?
What aspect of society does sociology primarily study?
What aspect of society does sociology primarily study?
What does demography primarily study?
What does demography primarily study?
Which of the following is NOT a focus of sociology?
Which of the following is NOT a focus of sociology?
Flashcards
Social Sciences Disciplines
Social Sciences Disciplines
Different fields of study that examine human society and behavior.
Comparison of Social Science Disciplines
Comparison of Social Science Disciplines
Understanding how different social science subjects (e.g., sociology, psychology) have different approaches, goals and areas of inquiry.
Historical Development of Social Sciences
Historical Development of Social Sciences
Examining the origins and past influences that shaped each social science discipline.
Social Context of Disciplines
Social Context of Disciplines
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Interconnectivity of Social Sciences
Interconnectivity of Social Sciences
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What does Sociology study?
What does Sociology study?
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Who is Auguste Comte?
Who is Auguste Comte?
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What is Positivism in Sociology?
What is Positivism in Sociology?
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Who is Herbert Spencer?
Who is Herbert Spencer?
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What does Demography study?
What does Demography study?
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Study Notes
Social Sciences Overview
- Social sciences provide understanding of the world around us.
- Social sciences study human society and its various aspects.
Disciplines of Social Sciences
- Sociology: Studies human society, including social relationships, social change.
- Demography: Studies populations statistically, including birth, death rates, migration, and life expectancy, using data to describe populations.
- Anthropology: Focuses on human cultures and evolution, examining origins, beliefs, traits, and societies, including archaeology.
- Psychology: Examines human minds and behaviors, examining mental states, cognition, social behavior.
- Geography: Explores the Earth's physical characteristics and how those impact human societies (human geography) and environmental study of natural systems (physical geography).
- Economics: Studies the production, distribution, and consumption of wealth, encompassing scarcity, economic welfare.
- History: Investigates past events, their causes, effects, and their role in shaping us today
Key Figures and Ideas
- Sociology: Auguste Comte (father of sociology), positivism, Herbert Spencer, Social Darwinism, Max Weber, Karl Marx, Harriet Martineau.
- Demography: John Graunt (founder of demography), life table, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Robert Malthus.
- Anthropology: Charles Darwin (theory of evolution), origins of Homo sapiens.
- Psychology: Wilhelm Wundt (experimental psychology), William James (pragmatism, functionalism), John Watson, B. F. Skinner, Sigmund Freud (psychoanalysis).
- Geography: Eratosthenes, Chinese compass, Islamic scholars, Marco Polo.
- Economics: David Ricardo, John Stuart Mill, Adam Smith, Karl Marx.
Interconnections
- The social sciences have interrelated concepts and methodologies, and often overlap in study areas.
Applications and Importance
- The social sciences help in analyzing societal issues, and provide various solutions towards change and improvement.
- Understanding human behavior, societal patterns, population metrics, cultural developments, geography and environment, past events or economic principles can all guide decision making and create opportunities.
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