Epistemological and Methodological Developments in Social Sciences

Epistemological and Methodological Developments

Evolutionary Period (19th Century)

Social sciences began to openly express concern for others. Explorers’ accounts, staff reports, and information from anthropological societies merged. This era introduced stages of social development (Marx, Spencer, Comte), the idea of progress, and the comparative method. Auguste Comte, the founder of sociology, defined it as the observation of social research through comparison, experimentation, and historical analysis.

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Understanding Equity, Expectancy Theories & Organizational Culture

Adam’s Equity Theory

Adam’s Equity Theory posits that perceived inequity plays a major role in motivational processes.

  1. People exchange inputs for outputs.
  2. People have a natural tendency to compare themselves to one another.
  3. The nature of the comparison is between input-output ratios, as follows:

Inputs of employee / Outputs of employee versus Inputs of referent other / Outputs of referent other

  1. If the comparison of the input-output ratio seems in balance, equilibrium, or equity, then behavior will
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Sociological Data Collection: Methods and Methodologies

In sociology, data collection is a crucial step in research, as it allows sociologists to gather information about social phenomena. There are several tools and methods for collecting data, each suited to different types of research questions and methodologies. Here are some of the primary tools of data collection in detail:

Data Collection Tools

  1. Surveys and Questionnaires

    • Description: Surveys are structured tools that consist of a series of questions aimed at gathering information from a large group
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Key Concepts in Personality Psychology: Theories and Development

Key Concepts in Personality Psychology

The Five-Factor Model

The Five-Factor Theory (Costa & McCrae, 1992) proposes personality traits can be categorized using two approaches:

  • Categorical Approach: Classifying traits as either present or absent (yes/no).
  • Dimensional Approach: Measuring traits on a continuous scale.

The five broad dimensions are:

  • Openness to Experience
  • Conscientiousness (嚴謹度)
  • Extraversion
  • Agreeableness
  • Neuroticism (神經質)

Self-Efficacy

Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s

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Key Concepts: Agents of Socialization, Physiological Responses, and More

Agents of Socialization

  • Family
  • School
  • Religion
  • Public Institutions
  • Media

Physiological Responses to Emotions

  • Stronger Heartbeat (Heart Rate Acceleration)
  • Faster Breathing
  • Muscle Tension

Characteristics of Psychological Tests

  • Reliability
  • Validity
  • Internal Consistency
  • Stability

Mental Disorders

  • Neurosis: Phobia, Hypochondria, Hysteria
  • Psychosis: Schizophrenia, Paranoia, Autism

Factors Involved in Care

  • Single Subject Factors: Physical condition, diet, rest
  • Stimulating Factors:
    • Intensity of the stimulus
    • Mode of stimulus:
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Mastering Qualitative Interviews: Types & Best Practices

Understanding Qualitative Interviews

Although it is implemented, it may not achieve a complete immersion in the social reality under study, to the point of view to reach the eyes of the people observed. At least you can get an approximation of the parsing and motivations that give these people for their behavior. That degree of intensity in the interaction between interviewer and interviewee, as Fontana and Frey say, the interview becomes active interaction leading to a negotiated outcome based and

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