Introduction to social science

• Social science examines society, focusing on relationships among individuals within it
• It is comprised of branches, each studying different areas of social science
• Branches: anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, linguistics, political science, psychology, sociology, and social work are included
• Social science uses scientific methods to study and comprehend human behavior
• It generally involves observation, theory development, and the testing of those theories
• The goal is understanding how societies operate and how people act in social situations
• Social science differs from natural science, which studies the physical world
• It is also distinct from the humanities, focusing on the creative and intellectual achievements of human beings
• Social science helps in addressing social issues like poverty, crime, and discrimination
• It facilitates understanding diverse cultures and promoting peaceful coexistence

Anthropology

• Anthropology is the study of humanity
• It covers all aspects of human life, from biological and evolutionary aspects to cultural and social behaviors
• It attempts to understand the full scope and complexity of cultures throughout human history
• It seeks knowledge to better understand humankind

Archaeology

• Archaeology studies human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis of artifacts/physical remains
• It involves recovering, documenting, and analyzing material remains to understand past human societies
• It provides insights into the daily lives, customs, and cultures of past populations
• It helps reconstruct the history of ancient civilizations and how they evolved over time

Economics

• Economics studies how people make decisions when resources are limited
• It examines how individuals, businesses, and governments allocate resources
• It involves the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services
• It is divided into microeconomics and macroeconomics

Geography

• Geography studies the Earth's physical features, climate, population, and resources
• It explores the relationships between human societies and the environment
• It includes the study of maps, spatial data, and geographical patterns
• It helps understand phenomena like urbanization, migration, and environmental change

History

• History studies past events
• It involves analyzing historical sources like documents, artifacts, and oral histories to reconstruct and interpret past events
• It provides context for understanding current events and societal trends
• It is crucial for preserving cultural heritage and collective memory

Law

• Law is the system of rules that govern a society
• It includes the enforcement of these rules and the resolution of disputes
• It covers criminal law, civil law, and constitutional law
• It provides a framework for social order and justice

Linguistics

• Linguistics is the scientific study of language
• It encompasses the structure, evolution, and use of language
• It includes phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics
• It helps in understanding how language shapes thought and culture

Political Science

• Political science studies politics and government
• It involves analyzing political systems, institutions, and behavior
• It covers topics such as democracy, elections, public policy, and international relations
• It is essential for understanding power, governance, and citizenship

Psychology

• Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behavior
• It explores topics such as perception, cognition, emotion, personality, and social behavior
• It involves both basic research to understand fundamental psychological processes and applied research to solve practical problems
• It includes clinical psychology, which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders

Sociology

• Sociology studies society and social interactions
• It examines the structure of social groups, organizations, and institutions
• It explores topics such as social inequality, social change, and social movements
• It involves using sociological theories and research methods to understand social phenomena

Social Work

• Social work is a profession focused on helping individuals, families, and communities improve their well-being
• It involves providing counseling, advocacy, and support to address social problems
• Social workers operate in hospitals, schools, and community organizations
• It aims to promote social justice and empower vulnerable populations

Social science studies society and human relationships, utilizing methods like observation and theory development. Its branches include anthropology, economics and political science. It aims to understand societal functions and human behavior, differing from natural science and humanities.