2. Disciplines and Theory What is a “discipline”? -specific branches of learning e.g. mathematics, history, political science, physics -determines the kind of observations a researcher will make and what theoretical perspective will be used What is a “theory”? -a framework for organizing and explaining observable evidence -without facts, a theory is just a guess, or speculation -information that is collected through observation, experimentor survey lacks meaning without theory to organize it
3. The disciplines in social science Social scientists ask four fundamental questions: What happens? How does it happen? Why does it happen? How can people change what happen?
4. 1. anthropology -the study of human behaviour in societies -the study of culture – arts, beliefs, habits, institutions, etc. -some anthropologists will live and immerse themselves in a culture to make their observations -studies highlight the diversity of behaviours that fulfill functional requisites of a society -appreciating diversity is key to avoiding ETHNOCENTRISM – evaluating other cultures from your own culture`s point of view
5. 2. sociology -explains the behaviour of individuals in social groups, families and societies -sociologists investigate social facts and the social sources of behaviour -studies are concerned with patterns of behaviour observed in a large number of people or groups as opposed to the behaviour of individuals -determining patterns and rates of behaviours in groups helps to facilitate planning and policy decisions within a society
6. 3. psychology -the study of behaviour based on mental processes -a focus on how the individual thinks -psychologists use an understanding of mental processes and personality to explain individual behaviour -research and studies are used to help individuals manage their own behaviour
7. Other notable disciplines a.) History -helps to develop a sense of objectivity b.) Economics -provides insight into the function of the family and helps to explain how it acquires and uses resources c.) Politics -examine influences on individual power and authority d.) Religion -helps to understand the motivation of people to participate in society
