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

2. Social Sciences (i.e. sociology, psychology, civics, economics…) Applied Sciences (i.e. mathematics, physics, biology…) Scientific/ Inquiry Method

3. The Inquiry Method Many disciplines in social sciences use the scientific method (called the inquiry method in our course) 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: Anthropology – considers the scientific study of humans, especially of their origin, behaviour and physical, social, and cultural development (macro level) Psychology – studies the human mind, emotions, behaviours of individuals (micro level) Sociology – examines human society and group behaviour (macro level)

6. Studying People Interpreting Data: The Social Sciences History Geography Economics Political Science Sociology Anthropology Psychology Interpreting Expression: The Humanities (the Arts) Literature Poetry Philosophy Music Art Dance Theatre

7. Why? Do some people shoplift? Is it harder to learn a language when you are an adult? Is it so hard to stop a bad habit? Do so many people hate round- abouts? Does everything bad happen to me?!? WHY?

8. Who wants to know? the government law enforcement educators health care providers urban planners the entertainment industry the fashion industry Captains of Industry marketers/ promoters of anything investors Inventors journalists your parents you!

9. DisciplineMain FocusMethods of ResearchTopics of Study Anthropology The Study of Humans with a focus on culture and origin Means ‘the study of man’ (humans) The study of the lives and cultures of human beings as species – dead or alive. Through time (i.e. evolution) and throughout the world (i.e. cultures) 2 branches – physical and cultural Physical - scientific research, archeology, historical artifacts… Cultural - Field study/observation - Living with a cultural group for extended periods – observing rituals and group behaviours. Psychology The Study of Individuals in Society The scientific study of individual behaviours and mental processes. Examines what guides our thinking and behaviour. Studying people’s feelings, thoughts, and personality development through interviews to determine past influential experiences, conducting animal experiments – believing these will lead to a better understanding of humans Sociology The Study of Groups in Society The study of human social life, groups, origins, and relationships in society. Examines how membership in a group shapes our experiences of the world. Conducting statistical analysis and observation. Considers trends and reasons why things happen the way they do in society and analyze how society affects individuals and how individuals contribute to society. Comparison of the 3 Disciplines in HSP3M – Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology

10. Your Task... Look through the textbook “Images of Society” and find issues/topics that each of the 3 disciplines would examine. You have 15 minutes to find at least 5 topics per discipline. We will take up your answers – be ready to share.