Introduction to Social Science

Definition

• Social science is the study of society and human behavior.
• It examines individuals, groups, and social structures.

Branches of Social Science

1. Anthropology

   • Studies cultures, human behavior, and societies over time.

2. Sociology

   • Analyze social relationships, institutions, and organizations.

3. Psychology

   • Studies mental processes and behavior; focuses on individuals.

4. Economics

   • Examines the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

5. Political Science

   • Analyzes systems of governance, political activities, and political behavior.

6. Geography

   • Studies places, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments.

Research Methods

• Quantitative Methods

  • Use numerical data and statistical analysis.
  • Examples: surveys, experiments, and observational studies.

• Qualitative Methods

  • Involves non-numerical data for detailed understanding.
  • Examples: interviews, focus groups, and content analysis.

Key Concepts

• Culture

  • Shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group.

• Socialization

  • Process through which individuals learn and internalize the values of their society.

• Social Stratification

  • Hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on factors like wealth, power, and prestige.

• Norms and Values

  • Norms: rules and expectations for behavior.
  • Values: shared beliefs about what is important or desirable.

Importance of Social Science

• Provides insights into human behavior and societal changes.
• Helps address societal issues through informed policies.
• Enhances understanding of cultural differences and social dynamics.

Definition of Social Science

• Social science focuses on understanding society and human behavior.
• It examines individuals, groups, and social structures.

Branches of Social Science

• Anthropology studies cultures, human behavior, and societies throughout history.
• Sociology analyzes social relationships, institutions, and organizations.
• Psychology studies mental processes and behavior, with a focus on individuals.
• Economics examines the processes of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
• Political Science analyzes systems of governance, political activities, and political behavior.
• Geography studies places, environments, and the relationships between people and their environment.

Research Methods Used in Social Science

• Quantitative methods use numerical data and statistical analysis.
  • Examples: surveys, experiments, and observational studies.
• Qualitative methods use non-numerical data for detailed understanding.
  • Examples: interviews, focus groups, and content analysis.

Key Concepts in Social Science

• Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, and practices of a social group.
• Socialization is the process by which individuals learn and internalize the values of their society.
• Social Stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on factors such as wealth, power, and prestige.
• Norms and Values are important:
  • Norms are rules and expectations for behavior.
  • Values are shared beliefs about what is important or desirable.

Importance of Social Science

• Provides insights into human behavior and societal changes.
• Helps address societal issues through informed policies.
• Enhances understanding of cultural differences and social dynamics.