Disciplines and Ideas of Applied

Social Science Notes

Brief Summary:
This course introduces some Applied Social Sciences, namely,
Counseling, Social Work, and Communication, which draw their
foundation from the theories and principles of Psychology, Sociology,
Anthropology, and other Social Sciences.

The course highlights the seamless interconnectivity of the different

applied social science disciplines while focusing on the processes and
applications of these applied disciplines in critical development areas.

At the end of the course, students shall demonstrate competencies in

interacting and relating with other individuals, groups, and communities;
apply social sciences principles, practices, and tools in addressing the
development areas identified by the class; and analyze how processes in
these applied disciplines work in specific life situations.

I. What is the meaning of the term social science?

Social science is a major category of academic disciplines, concerned
with society and the relationships among individuals within a society. It
in turn has many branches, each of which is considered a “social
science”. The main social sciences include psychology, economics, law,
political science, human geography, demography and sociology. In a
wider sense, social science also includes some fields in the humanities
such as anthropology, archaeology, jurisprudence, history, and linguistics.
The term is also sometimes used to refer specifically to the field of
sociology, the original ‘science of society’, established in the 19th century.

Positivist social scientists use methods resembling those of the natural

sciences as tools for understanding society, and so define science in its
stricter modern sense. Interpretivist social scientists, by contrast, may use
social critique or symbolic interpretation rather than constructing
empirically falsifiable theories, and thus treat science in its broader sense.
In modern academic practice, researchers are often eclectic, using
multiple methodologies (for instance, by combining the quantitative and
qualitative techniques). The term social research has also acquired a
degree of autonomy as practitioners from various disciplines share in its
aims and methods.
II. Definition and Branches of Social Science
What is Social Science?
Social science is a major category of academic disciplines, concerned
with society and the relationships among individuals within a society.

Definition of Social Science

A branch of science that deals with the institutions and functioning of
human society and with the interpersonal relationships of individuals as
members of society OR A science (such as economics or political
science) dealing with a particular phase or aspect of human society. The
scientific study of human society and social relationships.

Branches of Social Science

In my opinion, the most popularly recognized social sciences include, in
alphabetical order:
1. Anthropology
2. Economics
3. Human Geography
4. Linguistics
5. Political Science
6. Psychology
7. Sociology

III. What are Social Sciences?

Social Sciences Explore:
1. How people behave
2. Humanity
3. Inhumanity
4. How people live (Poverty, Equality)
5. How people view the world (Unsustainable, Sustainable)
6. How people form societies(Past, Present, Future)
7. How people overcome (Injustice, Adversity)

Explore by Studying:
1. Archaeology
2. Geography
3. Social Policy
4. Philosophy
5. Politics
6. Economics
7. Psychology
8. Sociology
9. Social Justice
10. Information and Communication Studies

Short Test:
Question: Definition of Social Sciences
My Answer: Social science is, in its broadest sense, the study of society
and the manner in which people behave and influence the world around
us. Social science tells us about the world beyond our immediate
experience, and can help explain how our own society works - from the
causes of unemployment or what helps economic growth, to how and
why people vote, or what makes people happy. It provides vital
information for governments and policymakers, local authorities, non-
governmental organizations and others.
Grade: 88