Knowledge and Inquiry · JC 1 · Knowledge Construction in the Sciences · 2.º Período

Knowledge in the Social Sciences: Human Behaviour

An inquiry into the nature of knowledge in the social sciences, focusing on the methodological and epistemological issues in studying human behaviour.

TL;DR:The social sciences present unique epistemological challenges. Unlike the natural sciences, the 'objects' of study are human beings who have intentions, emotions, and the ability to change their behavior when being watched. This topic explores whether we can study humans with the same objectivity as atoms, or if we need a different approach (like 'Verstehen' or empathetic understanding).

• MOE Syllabus Outcomes
• SEAB A-Level H2 Knowledge and Inquiry (9751): The Construction of Knowledge - Social Sciences
• SEAB A-Level H2 Knowledge and Inquiry (9751): The Construction of Knowledge - Social Sciences (Methodological Issues)

About This Topic

The social sciences present unique epistemological challenges. Unlike the natural sciences, the 'objects' of study are human beings who have intentions, emotions, and the ability to change their behavior when being watched. This topic explores whether we can study humans with the same objectivity as atoms, or if we need a different approach (like 'Verstehen' or empathetic understanding).

In the Singapore context, where social stability and planning are key, understanding how we 'know' about society is vital. Students will look at issues like observer bias, the role of values in research, and the difficulty of conducting controlled experiments in social settings. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of human behavior through role plays and observational studies.

Key Questions

1. Can human behavior be studied objectively?
2. How do values influence social science research?
3. What is the role of empathy in understanding society?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Social science is 'easier' than natural science because it's just common sense.

What to Teach Instead

Social science is often 'harder' because variables are nearly impossible to control and humans are unpredictable. Using 'Station Rotations' to look at complex social data can help students see the rigor required.

Common Misconception

Social science can never be objective.

What to Teach Instead

While perfect objectivity is hard, social scientists use rigorous methods (like triangulation) to minimize bias. Peer-reviewing each other's 'research designs' helps students see how objectivity is pursued in practice.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play

The Hawthorne Effect

Students are divided into 'workers' and 'observers.' The observers change variables (like lighting or breaks) while the workers' productivity is measured. Students then discuss how the presence of the observer influenced the results.

40 min·Whole Class

Inquiry Circle

Designing a 'Value-Free' Survey

Groups try to write survey questions about a sensitive topic (e.g., social media use) without using 'loaded' language. They then swap surveys and critique them for hidden biases or values.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

Natural vs. Social Science

Students list three differences between studying a chemical reaction and studying a protest. They share with a partner to determine if these differences are 'fundamental' or just 'practical.'

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can human behavior be studied scientifically?

Yes, but it requires different methods. While we use data and observation, we must also account for human agency and meaning. This is why social sciences often use a mix of quantitative (numbers) and qualitative (interviews) methods.

What is the 'insider-outsider' problem in social science?

It refers to whether a researcher can truly understand a group they are not a part of (the outsider) or if being part of the group (the insider) makes them too biased to be objective. This is a key debate in fields like sociology and anthropology.

How can active learning help students understand social science methodology?

Conducting 'mini-experiments' or observational studies in the school canteen allows students to experience the 'messiness' of social data. When they try to categorize human behavior in real-time, they quickly grasp the challenges of coding, bias, and the 'Hawthorne Effect' in a way no lecture can provide.

How do values influence social science research?

Values can influence what a researcher chooses to study, how they frame their questions, and how they interpret results. In KI, we teach students to identify these 'value-judgments' to better evaluate the validity of social research.