SHS Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences Quarter 1: Week 8 - Module 8 Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences Grade 11 Quarter 1: Week 8, Module 8 First Edition, 2020 Copyright © 2020 La Union Schools Division Region I All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the copyright owners. Development Team of the Module Author: Dexter P. Dacanay, T-I Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr., P II Management Team: ATTY. Donato D. Balderas, Jr. Schools Division Superintendent Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, Ph.D Assistant Schools Division Superintendent German E. Flora, Ph.D, CID Chief Virgilio C. Boado, Ph.D, EPS in Charge of LRMS Mario B. Paneda, Ed.D, EPS in Charge of Araling Panlipunan Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences Quarter 1: Week 8 - Module 8 Target Samuel Sumaoang, a Christian Educator affirms that dominant approaches and ideas in the scientific study of society are ways of looking at society and explaining the things that are happening in it. In your previous lesson, you have learned about the emergence and essence of the Social Sciences and its disciplines; and started analyzing some major social science theories. In this week’s module, we will be continuing the journey in understanding the different approaches and ideas employed in the study of Social Sciences. These concepts may help provide credible explanations on why humans act and think the way they do. After going through this module, you are expected to analyze the basic concepts and principles of the Social Science ideas: Rational Choice (HUMSS_DISS 11-IVa-6) and Institutionalism (HUMSS_DISS 11-IVb-7). At the end of this module, you will be able to: 1. Define what is Rational Choice Theory and Institutionalism; 2. Discuss the basic concepts and principles of Rational Choice Theory and Institutionalism; and 3. Apply the concepts and principles of Rational Choice Theory and Institutionalism in analyzing one’s behavior and attitude. Before continuing to the major chunk, let’s see how much you know in this week’s lesson by taking the pretest. Pretest Direction. Carefully read and understand the following questions and statements. Write your answers in a separate sheet of paper. 1. What does Rational Choice Theory is referring to? A. RCT refers to historical phenomena interpreted in proper context. B. RCT refers to the notion that person will choose the option that will best serve his or her objectives. C. RCT refers to the viewpoint that institutions are parts of a whole, each with important functions to maintain stability. D. RCT refers to institutions that are humanly devised constraints that structure political, economic and social interactions. 2. Who established Rational Choice Theory in Sociology? A. Emil Durkheim C. George Homans 1 B. Joshua Haber D. Adam Sandler 3. When was the beginning of rational choice? A. Dark Ages C. Neo-Classical Period A. Period of Enlightenment D. Post-Modern Age 4. Who among below is a contributor in the study of Rational Choice Theory? A. Gary Becker C. Dustin Hoffman B. Sigmund Freud D. Steven Speilberg 5. Below are concepts in Rational Choice Theory EXCEPT: A. Utility maximization C. Informal institutions B. Structure preference D.Decision-making under uncertainties 6. What is the highlight of institutionalism? A. It highlights the relationship of humans and the environment. B. It highlights the role of institutions in affecting social behavior. C. It highlights the option that will best serve a person’s objectives. D. It highlights the symbolic meaning developed by people 7. Who among below did NOT contribute in the study of institutionalism? A. Herbert Blummer C. Johan Olsen B. James March D. Max Weber 8. What does formal institutions refers to? A. Refers to phenomena that interpreted differently in proper context. B. Refers to those officially established, legally introduces and enforced by the state. C. Refers to rules governing behavior outside official channels which may affect behavior. D. Refers to the established connection between humans and environment. 9. Below are criticisms of Institutionalism EXCEPT: A. Institutionalism too much focuses on macro-level analysis. B. Rationality is the basic factor of human choice in all undertakings. C. It emphasizes on the role of deliberate interaction in determining political results. D. Inability to offer a refined comprehension of how institutions affect human behavior. 10. What does informal institutions confers to? A. Confers to phenomena that interpreted differently in proper context. B. Confers to those officially established, legally introduces and enforced by the state. C. Confers to the established connection between humans and environment. D. Confers to rules governing behavior outside official channels which may affect behavior. 2 Jumpstart To start up your engine, do the following activities. Enjoy yourself and you’ll do great! Activity 1. Think Of Me! A. Read and analyze the situation below. What is your response if you will be in this situation? It’s been almost seven months that tourism shuts down due to the pandemic disease. But now, little by little, tourism industries opens up. Being a travel wanderer, will you go out for the first time and maximize the time you’ve lost because of community quarantines or you prefer to stay at home and wait until the disease will be finally gone? _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ B. What comes to your mind, if you heard the word “institution”? Institution 3 Discover Dominant Approaches and Ideas in the Social Sciences: Rational Choice Theory Rational Choice Theory is one of the many positivist theories that try to explain human behavior in terms of utility maximization or the that when a person is confronted with a set of choices, that person will choose the option that will best serve his or her objectives. Rational means people act based on or in accordance with reason or logic while choice refers to an act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities. The beginnings of the foundations of rational choice can be traced to the age of reason (Oppenheimer, 2008). In the 1960s George Homans, an American sociologist was credited for establishing rational choice theory in sociology. Gary Becker (1930-2014) is also one of the contributors in the study of Rational Choice Theory. His ability of extending microeconomic investigation to a broad extent of human behavior and interaction such as discrimination, crime and punishment, human capitals, families and organ market paved him the way for the Nobel Prize in 1992. Key concepts in Rational Choice Theory: A. Utility Maximization – people will choose the object that provides the greatest reward at the lower cost. B. Structure of preferences – refers to the idea that people are motivated by their personal desires and aspirations but since it is not possible for them to attain all of the things that they want, they must make choices related to their goals and the means for attaining those goals. For instance, a person who wishes to have a car may choose between two options: buy the car by spending most of his savings (he or she may have little savings left but will merit status symbol for being able to buy a car) or steal the car (which can lead to imprisonment and social disapproval when caught). C. Decision-making under conditions for uncertainty – The decision-maker is not aware of all available alternatives, the risks associated with each, and the consequences of each alternative or their probabilities. In the face of such uncertainty, decision-maker needs to make certain assumptions about the situation in order to provide a reasonable decision. He or she has to depend upon their judgment and experience for making decisions. D. Centrality of individuals in the explanation of group outcomes – means that group outcomes must be explained by maximized actions of individual. Social phenomena can be explained in terms of the 4 individual actions that led to those phenomena. The basic unit of social life is individual human deed. Therefore, group outcomes are caused by the maximizing actions of individuals. Strengths of Rational Choice Theory: Generality – one set of hypotheses applies to all sets of structural hypotheses, that is the most general theory of social action which can be used to understand all human behavior (Ogu, 2013) Parsimony – a principle to which an explanation of a thing or event is made with the fewest possible assumptions. Predictive – decisions of individuals depend on the structures and assumptions. Criticisms of Rational Choice Theory: Difficulty encountered by individuals to make decisions in case of inadequate information and uncertainty. Human social action and interactions is complex and rational choice theory may not be able to explain all of these complexities. Difficulty of explaining macro level structures and institutions simply from the models of individual social action. Rational choice assumption that almost everything humans do is rational is problematic, since not all human actions are rational. Institutionalism Institutionalism is an approach that highlights the role of institutions, both formal and non-formal, in affecting social behavior. It is a theory that views institutions as humanly devised constraints that structure political, economic and social interactions. Institutionalism made its debut during the late 19th and early 20th centuries through the initiatives of American institutional economists along with Thorstein Veblen as a leading figure. The German sociologist Max Weber is considered the most important institutionalist who was influenced by early German historical economists. Also, Johan Olsen and James March are some of the well-known figures in institutionalism. Key concepts in Institutionalism: A. Institutions – often referred to as the “rules of the game” (North, 1991). They are humanly-devised constraints that affect human interaction, devised by people to be able to gain control over their environment for the purpose of bringing about certainty in an uncertain world. It is 5 also seen as a way of minimizing transaction costs or the costs of relations between people. B. Informal Institutions – refers to rules governing behavior outside official channels which may have constitutive and regulative effects on human behavior. Constitutive effects refer to aspects of culture that affect economic behavior while regulative effects refers to the ways in which values and beliefs of a society are manifested through social norms and behaviors which regulate behavior. Example is cultural practices concerning courtship and marriage, which may vary from one society to another (Soya & Jutting, 2014). C. Formal Institutions – refer to those officially established, often by governments. They are legally introduced and enforced by the state. Excellent examples are laws, business organizations, religious groups and educational institutions. Strengths of Institutionalism: New institutionalism emphasizes that institutions are central makers in the process of preference formation. New institutionalism provides the analytical tools for determining institutional change. Even though the new institutionalists return to the institutional root of political science, they also stress the importance of individual actors in the political process. New institutionalism helps us to really examine the nature of institutions in a political system. The theory is very helpful in explaining how existing institutions continue to exist, since the persistence of an institution often depends on the benefits it can deliver. Criticisms of Institutionalism: Its claim that rationality is the basic factor of human choice in all undertakings. Too focus on macro-level analysis. Inability to offer a refined comprehension of how institutions affect human behavior (Bethani, 2011) 6 Explore Here are some enrichment activities for you to work on to master and strengthen the basic concepts you have learned from this lesson. Don’t hesitate to go over the lesson on Rational Choice Theory and Institutionalism. Enrichment Activity 1. ESSAYhan Lang Natin! Direction: Answer the following questions in two or three sentences. Write your answers in your study notebook. 1. How do people make choices according to Rational Choice Theory? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 2. How can social phenomena be explained according to Rational Choice Theory? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 3. How do institutions constrain human behavior according to institutionalism? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 4. How do formal institutions differ from informal institutions? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ 7 Scoring Rubric Description Points 5 Learner’s understanding of concept is 4 3 2 1 clearly evident Learner uses effective strategies to get accurate results Learner uses logical thinking to arrive at a conclusion Learner’s understanding of concept is evident Learner uses appropriate strategies to get accurate results Learner shows thinking skills to arrive at conclusion Learner has a limited understanding of a concept Learner uses strategies that are ineffective Learner attempts to show thinking skills Learner has a lack of understanding of concept Learner attempts to use a strategy Learner shows little understanding Learner has a complete lack of understanding of concept Learner makes no attempt to use a strategy Learner shows no understanding Enrichment Activity 2. Identify Me! Direction: Identify the concept being described in each number. Write your answers in your study notebook. 1. People act based on or in accordance with reason or logic. 2. People will choose the object that provides the greatest reward at the lowest cost. 3. Credited for establishing rational choice in sociology. 4. “Rules of the game” 5. The most important key institutionalist figure. 6. Rules outside government or church. 8 Assessment Directions: Complete the table by showing a brief description, contributors, strengths and criticisms of the lesson (Rational Choice Theory & Institutionalism) being discussed. Copy the table in your study notebook. THEORIES DESCRIPTON CONTRIBUTORS STRENGTHS CRITICISMS Rational Choice Theory Institutionalism Deepen After doing those pen and paper activities, it is time for you to apply the concept you have learned. Choose one scenario from the ones listed below and share your own personal and social experience or knowledge of them using one of the two theories discussed in this lesson. Write a reflection paper about it. a. Being a member of a particular organization (religious or sociocivic) b. Deciding where to eat during lunch break c. Roles of your family in shaping your norms and values Rubric for Reflection Paper CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS Content The learner was able to choose one scenario and was able to interpret personal and social experiences using one of the two approaches discussed in this lesson. Analysis was clear and concise based on the data presented. The paper was well-written with ideas easily conveyed to readers. Total 10 Analysis Organization 9 6 4 20 POINTS OBTAINED Gauge Summative Assessment I. Multiple Choices. Carefully read and understand the following questions and statements. Write your answers in a separate sheet of paper. 1. What does Rational Choice Theory is referring to? A. RCT refers to historical phenomena that interpreted differently in proper context. B. RCT refers to the notion that person will choose the option that will best serve his or her objectives. C. RCT refers to the viewpoint that institutions are parts of a whole, each with important functions to maintain stability. D. RCT refers to institutions that are humanly devised constraints that structure political, economic and social interactions. 2. Who established Rational Choice Theory in Sociology? A. Emil Durkheim C. George Homans B. Joshua Haber D. Adam Sandler 3. When was the beginning of rational choice? A. Dark Ages C. Neo-Classical Period B. Period of Enlightenment D. Post-Modern Age 4. Who among below is a contributor in the study of Rational Choice Theory? A. Gary Becker C. Dustin Hoffman B. Sigmund Freud D. Steven Speilberg 5. Below are concepts in Rational Choice Theory EXCEPT: A. Utility maximization C. Informal institutions B. Structure preference D. Decision-making under uncertainties 6. What is the highlight of institutionalism? A. It highlights the relationship of humans and the environment. B. It highlights the role of institutions in affecting social behavior. C. It highlights the option that will best serve a person’s objectives. D. It highlights the symbolic meaning developed by people in the process of interaction. 7. Who among below did NOT contribute in the study of institutionalism? A. Herbert Blummer C. Johan Olsen B. James March D. Max Weber 8. What does formal institutions refers to? 10 A. Refers to phenomena that interpreted differently in proper context. B. Refers to those officially established, legally introduces and enforced by the state. C. Refers to rules governing behavior outside official channels which may affect behavior. D. Refers to the established connection between humans and environment. 9. Below are criticisms of Institutionalism EXCEPT: A. Institutionalism too much focuses on macro-level analysis. B. Rationality is the basic factor of human choice in all undertakings. C. It emphasizes on the role of deliberate interaction in determining political results. D. Inability to offer a refined comprehension of how institutions affect human behavior. 10. What does informal institutions confers to? A. Confers to phenomena that interpreted in proper context. B. Confers to those officially established, legally introduces and enforced by the state. C. Confers to the established connection between humans and environment. D. Confers to rules governing behavior outside official channels which may affect behavior. II. Essay: Using a separate sheet of paper, discuss your answers on the following statement. Make sure that you will utilize at least five sentences. “A person is likely to help someone in need if in his past experiences, his actions has been rewarded” – George Homan 11 Rubric for the Essay CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS Content The learner was able to choose one scenario and was able to interpret personal and social experiences using one of the two approaches discussed in this lesson. Analysis was clear and concise based on the data presented. The paper was well-written with ideas easily conveyed to readers. Total 10 Analysis Organization 6 4 20 Good job! You are done with this module. 12 POINTS OBTAINED Answer Key 13 References: Printed Materials Jose, Mary Dorothy et al. (2016) Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences: Quezon City, Philippines: Vibal Group, Inc. Tatel Jr., Carlos, P. (2016) Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences: Manila, Philippines: Rex Book Store, Inc. Links https://www.businessmanagementideas.com/decision-making/decisionmaking-under-certainty-risk-and-uncertainty/3371 http://socialsciences101.blogspot.com/ https://slideplayer.com/slide/13700036/ https://www.slideshare.net/SamuelSumaoang/dominant-approaches-andideas-in-the-scientific-study-of-society-focused-on-positivist-social-science Image/Picture http://clipart-library.com/free/thinking-clip-art-black-and-white.html 14
