Introduction to Social Sciences

1. Introduction to Social Sciences Social Sciences use research and data analysis to explain human behaviour – what people think, how and why they act the way they do http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSIdaTSG2Gg&feature=player_embedded#at=39

2. Scientific/ Inquiry Method

3. The Inquiry Method • Many disciplines in social sciences use the scientific method (called the inquiry method in our course) i.e. research question, hypothesis, research, conclusions… • The inquiry method is used to gather data and information when studying the behaviour, trends and statistics regarding society, individuals and groups

4. Definition of Social Sciences • The study of people as individuals and as members of groups (i.e. families, communities, societies, peer groups…). • The social sciences include various areas of study – known as disciplines – such as history, law, civics, economics…

5. And those as the heart of this course: • Sociology – examines human society and group behaviour (macro level) • Psychology– studies the human mind, emotions, behaviours of individuals (micro level) • Anthropology – considers the scientific study of humans, especially of their origin, behaviour and physical, social, and cultural development (macro level)

6. Scenario – A person who commits suicide

7. Anthropologist (cultural)  – What factors contribute to depression in this culture? • Psychologist – What mental state were they in weeks before suicides • Sociologist – Why do people in this age group have a high rate of suicide?

8. Three techniques used by social scientists: • 1) Conduct Experiments • 2) Collecting and analyzing statistics • 3) Contemplating other people's work in the past The importance of social sciences: • 1) Social scientists can identify a problem and/or factors leading to a problems • 2) Social scientists can help people make informed decisions about issues

9. Anthropologyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUGiSXXdse0&feature=relatedAnthropologyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUGiSXXdse0&feature=related • Anthropology is the study of humankind. The field is divided into two areas: cultural anthropology and physical anthropology. • Anthropologists use reasoning to gain insight into how humans live, think, communicate, produce, and interact with their social and physical environments. Humans are part of a group of mammals called primates. This group includes gorillas and chimpanzees, among others. How do you think studying these animals can help us understand ourselves?

10. Anthropology: • Aims to describe what it means to be human • Study of human life throughout history • Anthropologist study how humans think, live, communicate, produce, and interact with their social and physical environment • Anthropology study both the differences/similarities of people and their respective cultures • Study of the lives/cultures of human beings, alive or dead

11. Branches of Anthropology: • Physical > Study of human evolution, human biology & other primates • Cultural > Compares cultures of living people in different cultural settings around the world • Social > focuses on social organization of living peoples

12. Culture • The Latin translation of culture (cultura) is “to cultivate” • The dictionary definition for culture is “the sum total of ways of living built up by a group of human beings and transmitted from one generation to another.”

13. Careers in Anthropology: • Studying anthropology can lead to a wide range of careers, including: • Archaeological fieldworker • cultural artifact specialist • museum worker • forensic anthropologist • art conservator

14. Psychologyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2w7KrQRk6g • Psychology is the study of the human mind and its mental states. • It includes the study of characteristics of temperament and behaviour of a person or group • Psychologists aim to describe, predict, and control behaviour and mental processes. • They study individuals as well as groups. Sports psychology is a growing field. How might a sports psychologist help an athlete to improve his or her performance?

16. Psychology & Social Phenomena • Psychology explores social interaction, but from a smaller perspective (as opposed to a larger one, like anthropology and sometimes sociology). • Because of this perspective, psychologists often research how individuals function, develop, survive, and thrive • Psychologists pose important questions concerning how our mental processes affect our social behaviour and interactions

17. Careers in Psychology • Studying psychology can lead to a variety of careers, including: • psychologist • Therapist • human rights worker • police officer • mental health worker • social worker • marketing specialist • Forensic psychologist

18. Sociologyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GwWTxEw3k8 • Sociology is the study of human social life, groups, and societies. • It also involves studying the behaviour of individuals and groups, as well as social institutions. • Sociologists study such areas as gerontology, politics, culture, economy, religion, and crime. • They examine organizations, social movements, collective behaviour, social institutions, and social identities. What is happening in this photo? How do you think Sociology would examine this?

20. Social Interaction • Sociologists often research how individuals and groups function, develop, survive, and thrive • Sociologists pose important questions concerning how our societies function and interact

21. Written vs. Unwritten Rules • Rules are important for society to function, but not all are written • What are some examples of written rules and unwritten rules? • Who comes up with these rules? • Why do we follow them?

22. Society • Latin translation is “a friendly association with others” • Dictionary definition is “a highly structured system of human organization for large-scale community living that normally furnishes protection, continuity, security, and a national identity for its members.”

23. Ants • Does an ant colony fit the definition of society? • structured system • large-scale community • furnishes protection, continuity, security

24. Facebook • Is Facebook a society? • structured system • large-scale community • furnishes protection, continuity, security?

25. Careers in Sociology: • Possible careers to pursue from the study of sociology include: • urban planner, • human rights educator, • parole officer, • social worker, • family and child services worker, • corrections officer, • police officer, • child care worker, • substance abuse counselor, • group home worker.

26. Comparison of the 3 Disciplines in HSP3M – Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology

27. Activity: • Read through the following article and make notes on your chart under ‘Topics of Study’ • - how do each of the disciplines examine the issue?

29. Your Task... • In groups of 2-3, brainstorm topics that you feel are major social issues in today’s society. • The challenge is to see if you can identify how those issues would be studied under each of the 3 disciplines. • Make a list in your notebook – can be done in point form. Each person in the group must make their own notes. • Be prepared to share your ideas and topics.