Introduction to Social Science

Anthropology

• Focuses on the study of humans, their cultures, and societies, both past and present.
• Branches include cultural anthropology (social customs), archaeological anthropology (past societies through artifacts), linguistic anthropology (language use), and physical/biological anthropology (human evolution and biology).
• Anthropologists investigate questions about cultural practices, social structures, and human behavior in various contexts.

Sociology

• Examines social behavior, institutions, and structures within societies.
• Concentrates on issues such as group dynamics, social hierarchies, and social change.
• Sociologists explore questions related to societal norms, relationships, and the impact of social policies.

Psychology

• The scientific study of the mind and behavior.
• Major schools of thought include behaviorism (external behavior), psychoanalysis (inner processes), humanistic psychology (personal growth), cognitive psychology (mental processes), and biological psychology (brain and behavior).
• Psychologists ask questions about mental processes, emotions, and the underlying causes of behavior.

Social Science Inquiry Method

• Steps include formulating a question, conducting background research, developing a hypothesis, collecting data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions.
• A good hypothesis is testable and falsifiable, providing a clear prediction based on existing knowledge.
• Operational definition clarifies variable measurement, allowing for precise data gathering.

Sampling Techniques

• Two types discussed: probability sampling (random selection) and non-probability sampling (non-random selection).
• Methods of data collection include surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments.
• Primary research involves original data collection, while secondary research uses existing data sources; primary offers fresh insights, secondary is time-efficient.

Data Collection

• Primary research pros: tailored data; cons: resource-intensive.
• Secondary research pros: quicker; cons: potential bias or outdated information.
• Types of observation include participant observation (immersive) and non-participant observation (external observation).
• Disciplines vary in approaches; anthropologists may engage deeply, while sociologists may focus on broader trends.

Correlation vs. Experimental Studies

• Correlational studies identify relationships between variables without manipulation; experimental studies manipulate variables to determine causal effects.
• Positive correlations indicate both variables increase together; negative correlations suggest one increases while the other decreases.
• A strong correlation coefficient ranges from 0.7 to 1, while weak coefficients range from 0 to 0.3.
• Directionality problem arises when causation cannot be definitively established; third variables can confound observed relationships.

Experimental Studies Components

• Key components include independent variables (manipulated) and dependent variables (measured).
• Control groups do not receive the experimental treatment; experimental groups do, allowing for outcomes comparison.
• Placebo refers to a treatment with no active therapeutic effect used to measure treatment efficacy.
• Confounding variables can influence results, complicating the interpretation of the relationship between the studied variables.

Reliability and Validity

• Types of reliability: test-retest (consistency over time), inter-rater (agreement between observers), and internal (consistency within the test).
• Types of validity: construct (measuring intended concept), external (generalizability), and content (adequate coverage of the topic).

Ethical Guidelines

• Ethical experiments ensure no physical or psychological harm is done.
• The Belmont Report outlines ethical principles guiding research with human subjects, emphasizing respect, beneficence, and justice.

This quiz covers fundamental concepts in social science, including anthropology, sociology, and psychology. It explores the different branches of these fields and their respective focuses, as well as the types of questions each discipline addresses. Additionally, the social science inquiry method is discussed, outlining its essential steps.