Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key characteristic of theories in social sciences?
What is a key characteristic of theories in social sciences?
- They are mere speculations without evidence.
- They can predict future behavior. (correct)
- They are only based on individual opinions.
- They do not require testing.
Which statement accurately reflects the Evolutionary Theory of Change?
Which statement accurately reflects the Evolutionary Theory of Change?
- Simple societies are preferable to complex ones.
- Societies must avoid progress to remain stable.
- Change is often detrimental to society.
- Progress leads to societies evolving toward complexity. (correct)
What does the Cyclical Theory of Change suggest about societal trends?
What does the Cyclical Theory of Change suggest about societal trends?
- Cultural expressions follow a cycle of growth and decline. (correct)
- Values in society are permanent and unchanging.
- Changes occur randomly without any patterns.
- Trends are linear and do not repeat over time.
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?
According to the Functionalist Theory of Change, what is maintained in society?
According to the Functionalist Theory of Change, what is maintained in society?
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?
What is one possible outcome of applying the Cyclical Theory of Change?
What is one possible outcome of applying the Cyclical Theory of Change?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a theory?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a theory?
Flashcards
What is a Theory?
What is a Theory?
A set of assumptions or ideas that attempt to explain something, are testable, and are supported by facts gathered from repeated research.
Purpose of Theories in the Social Sciences
Purpose of Theories in the Social Sciences
Theories are created to help explain and understand human behavior, predict future behavior, and guide us towards change.
Evolutionary Theory of Change
Evolutionary Theory of Change
Examines the role of progress in societies, suggesting that societies evolve from simple beginnings to more complex ones. Progress is measured by better living conditions and innovation. Change is viewed as a positive force.
Cyclical Theory of Change
Cyclical Theory of Change
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Challenge and Response Theory of Change
Challenge and Response Theory of Change
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Functionalist Theory of Change
Functionalist Theory of Change
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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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