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Questions and Answers
What academic disciplines are encompassed by social science?
anthropology, archaeology, economics, human geography, linguistics, management science, communication science, and political science
What distinguishes positivist social scientists from interpretivist social scientists?
Positivist social scientists use methods resembling those of the natural sciences as tools for understanding society, while interpretivist social scientists may use social critique or symbolic interpretation rather than constructing empirically falsifiable theories.
How was the term 'social science' formerly used?
The term was formerly used to refer to the field of sociology, the original 'science of society', established in the 19th century.
How do modern academic researchers often practice?
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What is the broader sense in which interpretivist social scientists treat science?
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What are some branches of social science mentioned in the text?
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What was the original 'science of society' established in the 19th century?
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How do positivist social scientists use methods for understanding society?
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What distinguishes interpretivist social scientists from positivist social scientists in their approach to science?
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How do modern academic researchers often conduct their studies according to the text?
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Study Notes
Academic Disciplines in Social Science
- Social science encompasses various academic disciplines, including anthropology, archaeology, communication studies, economics, geography, history, linguistics, political science, psychology, and sociology.
Positivist vs. Interpretivist Social Scientists
- Positivist social scientists focus on empirical evidence, objectivity, and measurement to understand social phenomena.
- Interpretivist social scientists, on the other hand, emphasize understanding social phenomena through interpretation and subjective experience.
Historical Context of 'Social Science'
- The term 'social science' was formerly used to describe the scientific study of social relations, morals, and psychology.
- In the 19th century, the 'science of society' was established, marking the origins of modern social science.
Modern Academic Research
- Modern academic researchers often practice interdisciplinary research, combining multiple disciplines to study complex social issues.
- They conduct studies using a variety of methods, including surveys, experiments, and ethnographic observations.
Branches of Social Science
- Some branches of social science mentioned in the text include anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, linguistics, political science, psychology, and sociology.
Approach to Science
- Interpretivist social scientists treat science as a subjective, interpretive process that seeks to understand the meaning and significance of social phenomena.
- Positivist social scientists, in contrast, use methods similar to those in natural sciences, focusing on empirical evidence and measurement to understand social phenomena.
- Positivist social scientists use methods such as surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis to understand society, whereas interpretivist social scientists employ techniques like ethnography, content analysis, and hermeneutics.
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Description
Test your knowledge of social science with this quiz! Explore questions about sociology, anthropology, archaeology, and other related disciplines. Challenge yourself with topics on societies, relationships, and the diverse aspects of human culture and behavior.