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Questions and Answers
What is one significant challenge in achieving complete objectivity in social sciences?
What is one significant challenge in achieving complete objectivity in social sciences?
Complete objectivity is challenging due to the subjective nature of personal accounts and interpretations of social data.
What is the triangulation technique in data analysis?
What is the triangulation technique in data analysis?
Triangulation technique involves analyzing three sources of the same data to verify and validate information.
How did anthropology develop in relation to imperialism?
How did anthropology develop in relation to imperialism?
Anthropology emerged as a discipline to categorize and analyze cultures in the service of imperialism.
In the context of historical research, what types of sources can be triangulated?
In the context of historical research, what types of sources can be triangulated?
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How can subjective accounts be subjected to validation in social sciences?
How can subjective accounts be subjected to validation in social sciences?
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What does intersubjectivity refer to in the context of social research?
What does intersubjectivity refer to in the context of social research?
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Why is ethics significant in social research?
Why is ethics significant in social research?
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How has the perception of ethics in social research changed from its incipient stage?
How has the perception of ethics in social research changed from its incipient stage?
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What consequences may arise from overlooking ethical standards in social research?
What consequences may arise from overlooking ethical standards in social research?
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Can subjective accounts of events be considered valid data? Why or why not?
Can subjective accounts of events be considered valid data? Why or why not?
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Study Notes
Emergence of Social Sciences
- Disciplines in social sciences originated with the establishment of national states which required categorization and analysis.
- Anthropology developed as a discipline associated with imperialism.
- Some social sciences have roots tracing back to Ancient Greek philosophers.
Objectivity and Subjectivity
- A key concern in social sciences is the feasibility of complete objectivity.
- Subjective accounts lead to diverse interpretations and organization of social data, making value-free research challenging.
- Distinguishing facts from fantasies can be particularly difficult when examining past events.
Triangulation Technique
- Triangulation is employed to enhance data analysis by evaluating three different sources.
- Can involve three sources relaying the same narrative, different methods of data collection, or three distinct types of data.
- In history, valid interpretations arise from combining data from various informants, libraries, and different forms of evidence (e.g., historical records, oral accounts, material evidence).
Intersubjectivity
- Intersubjectivity refers to the phenomenon where individuals validate each other’s thoughts and experiences.
- If two out of three people corroborate a claim, it is likely accurate and consistent.
- Subjective accounts become credible when they align with the perspectives of others, indicating shared belief and interpretation.
Ethics in Social Research
- Ethics play a crucial role in social research, establishing guidelines for respectful treatment of people involved in studies.
- Ethical standards were often disregarded during the early development of social sciences, treating individuals more like laboratory specimens than participants.
- The importance of ethical considerations reflects a shift towards recognizing the dignity and rights of research subjects.
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Description
This quiz explores the origins and development of various disciplines within the social sciences, including anthropology and its ties to imperialism. It also examines the crucial question of objectivity in social science research and the role of subjective perspectives. Test your knowledge about the foundational concepts and historical context of social sciences.
