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Questions and Answers
What is a key characteristic of theories in social sciences?
What is a key characteristic of theories in social sciences?
Which statement accurately reflects the Evolutionary Theory of Change?
Which statement accurately reflects the Evolutionary Theory of Change?
What does the Cyclical Theory of Change suggest about societal trends?
What does the Cyclical Theory of Change suggest about societal trends?
In the Challenge and Response Theory of Change, what determines a society's fate?
In the Challenge and Response Theory of Change, what determines a society's fate?
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According to the Functionalist Theory of Change, what is maintained in society?
According to the Functionalist Theory of Change, what is maintained in society?
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What must theories be able to do in order to be considered valid in social science?
What must theories be able to do in order to be considered valid in social science?
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What is one possible outcome of applying the Cyclical Theory of Change?
What is one possible outcome of applying the Cyclical Theory of Change?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a theory?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a theory?
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Study Notes
Theories of Change
- Theories are sets of assumptions or ideas designed to explain something. They are testable and supported by repeated research.
- Theories in the social sciences help explain and understand human behaviour, predict future behaviour, and guide change.
What is a Theory?
- Theories are not mere guesses or beliefs; they are substantiated through evidence.
- Theories can be proven incorrect with new evidence.
Evolutionary Theory of Change
- Examines how societies progress from simple to complex structures.
- Views progress as moving towards better living conditions and innovation.
- Change is viewed as a positive force in society.
Cyclical Theory of Change
- Compares societal change to the cyclical nature of seasons.
- Trends, beliefs, and values in society repeat through cycles of growth and decline.
- Societies reach a peak of power and relevance before declining.
Challenge and Response Theory of Change
- Every society faces internal and external pressures/challenges.
- Societies' success depends on their response to challenges. Strong responses lead to societal advancement, while weak responses lead to decline.
- New societies are built on the lessons from past societies.
Functionalist Theory of Change
- Focuses on how societies maintain stability, despite competing forces.
- Stability is maintained through traditions and cultural patterns.
- In simpler societies, fewer institutions handle multifaceted societal functions (e.g., families are responsible for education, reproduction, and economic well-being). As societies become more complex, the social functions become more specialized.
Conflict Theory of Change
- Focuses on class inequality and conflict as drivers of change.
- Societies are constantly changing, leading to conflict.
- Conflict often arises between groups with differing levels of power and influence – the powerful and the powerless.
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Description
Explore the key theories of change that explain human behavior and societal progress. This quiz covers the Evolutionary, Cyclical, and Challenge and Response theories, providing insights into how societies evolve and respond to internal and external pressures. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts in social science.
