Test 1: The Social Science Research Process Flashcards
What is the definition of social science?
The use of systematic empirical observation and logical analysis to understand humans, human society, human relationships, and human organizations
What are the 8 steps of the social science research process?
- Choose a topic
- Review the literature
- Formulate a research question
- Create a data collection tool
- Gather your data
- Analyze collected data
- Interpret collected data
- Communicate the results in an academic report
What are the 7 disciplines of social science?
History, sociology, anthropology, psychology, political science, economy, and geography
What is the definition of history?
The study of human past by recording and analyzing past events
What is the definition of sociology?
The study of human relationships and the rules and ideas that guide them
What is the definition of anthropology?
The study of the origins and varieties of human beings and their societies
What is the definition of psychology?
The study of human behaviour and thought process
What is the definition of geography?
The study of the earth’s surface and human responses to the environment
What is the definition of political science?
The study of power, decision making, governments, and political units
What is the definition of economy?
The study of the value, production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services
What are the 4 unique characteristics of social science?
- The subject of the study can communicate with the researcher and vice-versa
- It encourages healthy debates over social policies
- It is less accurate, deterministic, or ambiguous than natural sciences
- It covers topics that are close and personal
What are the 5 (4) steps of the scientific method?
- Neglecting assumed principles
- Making observations
- Using a defined method to make measurement
- Using formulas and theories to explain observations
- Applying to other cases
What are the fundamental values/principles of the social science research process?
Objectivity, empirical observation, continuity (contributing to and building on previous research), and transparency (of communications and findings)
