5 Questions
What is social science?
Social science is a branch of science that studies society and its relationships among individuals.
What was the term 'social science' used to refer to?
The term 'social science' was formerly used to refer to the field of sociology.
What disciplines does social science now encompass?
Social science now encompasses a wide array of academic disciplines including anthropology, archaeology, economics, human geography, linguistics, management science, communication science, and political science.
What methods do positivist social scientists use?
Positivist social scientists use methods resembling those of the natural sciences as tools for understanding society.
How do interpretivist social scientists treat science?
Interpretivist social scientists may use social critique or symbolic interpretation rather than constructing empirically falsifiable theories, and thus treat science in its broad sense.
Study Notes
Definition of Social Science
- Social science is the study of human society, relationships, and institutions.
Origin of the Term 'Social Science'
- The term 'social science' was originally used to refer to the scientific study of society, which was seen as a distinct field of study from natural science.
Disciplines in Social Science
- Social science now encompasses various disciplines, including:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Political Science
- Geography
Positivist Social Scientists
- Positivist social scientists use methods similar to those used in natural sciences, including:
- Quantitative methods
- Empirical observation
- Statistical analysis
- Hypothesis testing
- Falsifiability
Interpretivist Social Scientists
- Interpretivist social scientists treat science as a subjective and interpretive process, focusing on:
- Understanding social reality from the actors' perspective
- Interpretation of meanings and symbols
- Subjective experience and personal perspectives
Test your knowledge of the diverse field of social science with this quiz. Explore topics such as sociology, anthropology, and psychology and learn about the study of society and its relationships.
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