1. The Three Social Sciences
Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology

2. Psychology
The study of people’s feelings, thoughts, and personality development
Focuses on the individual
Goal is to discover the underlying triggers or causes of human behaviour such as past experiences or genes.
E.g. Why does Henry appear sad or depressed much of the time?
Branches: clinical, social, industrial, forensic, child

3. Sociology
Focuses on the development and structure of human society and how it works
Looks at how people behave/act in groups
Examines social structures created by people such as family, government, schools, justice system, prisons, army, etc.
E.g. What kinds of groups or cliques do students form in high school?
Branches: criminology, social work, urban

4. Anthropology
Examines the development of the human species and human cultures throughout the world
A human culture consists of the ways of living of a group of people including their traditions, inventions, beliefs, values
E.g. How is the culture of Canadians different from the culture of the Japanese? How are humans similar to chimps?
Branches: cultural, physical, medical, forensic

5. These three social sciences are not conflicting disciplines
They overlap in what they study and the methods they use
Therefore, they largely support one another
E.g. Both psychologists and sociologists study criminal behaviour

6. The Montreal Massacre Watch the video
Read “How Do Social Scientists Study the Human Species?” in groups of four (4)
Select one section to focus on as a group (psychology, sociology, anthropology) and fill in the relevant section of the chart
Discuss as a class

7. CBC Archives

8. What Would You Do?
Now it’s time to start thinking like a social scientist!
Watch an episode of “What Would You Do?”
Keep notes on questions that a psychologist, sociologist, and anthropologist might ask.

9. What Would You Do?