Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology and Sociology
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/graphics/ (perception)
Key Terms:
Anthropology
Psychology
Social Science Inquiry Model
Social Science
Sociology
Case Study p. 4 - Why do people have different reactions to the same
situation?
Social Science – all social sciences are concerned with society and human
behaviour. Social science includes anthropology, criminology, economics, political
science, psychology, sociology, law and comparative religions.
Why did you take this course?
List all the reasons, and then try to organize the ideas into themes.
Social Scientists use a unique vocabulary. They use the social science language
and images in various forms to read, write, listen, view, represent, and think
critically about different ideas and points of views. Figure I-3 (p. 5)
*language, critical thinking, social science inquiry
An important aspect of a social scientist’s job is fieldwork.
i.e. Observations, interviews, surveys, etc.
Fieldwork – is how the social scientists find primary sources for their research.
Have you ever been surveyed on the phone or in person in a mall?
Read p. 6 fieldwork examples
I.
Introduction to Anthropology
- study of humankind
i. cultural anthropology
a. social anthropology (ethnology)
b. archaeology
c. linguistic anthropology
ii. physical anthropology
a. paleoanthropology
b. forensic anthropology
c. primatology
Anthropologists – use reasoning to gain insight into how humans live, think,
communicate, produce, and interact with their social and physical
environments.
+ Careers p. 7
- may use questionnaires and interviews (research methods)
- may also use participant observation (i.e. researcher lives among
the culture being studied)
- may use cross-cultural comparison (similarities/differences),
historical documents (past/present)
II.
Introduction to Psychology
- study of the human mind and its mental states
- temperament and behaviour of a person or group
- subfields in psychology: biological, psychoanalytic, behavioural,
cognitive, and humanistic psychology
Psychologists - aim to describe, predict, and control behaviour and mental
processes.
+ Careers p. 8
- may conduct experiments to determine whether one variable
causes another.
- may conduct correlational studies to investigate other types of
relationships between variables.
- Surveys, questionnaires, and interviews (research methods)
III.
Introduction to Sociology
- study of human social life, groups and societies
- 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.
+ Careers p. 9
- may use questionnaires and survey, historical analysis,
participant observation, and experimental research.
- may also use computer models to create artificial societies.
Research Models?
The process of social science research begins with asking questions
Questions - heart of social science and guide the entire research
process.
2 types of questions: Open and Closed - see p. 10
The Social Science Inquiry Model – Is a formal process that structures
social science research
8 steps to follow when conducting research to investigate a question (p. 11)
1.
Questions
2.
Focus
3.
Formulate a Hypothesis
4.
Collect Data
5.
Assemble and Analyze Data
6.
Stop and Check
7.
Present Results
8.
Reflection