Hello,
I am Benjamin, and I have been studying Social Science for the last three years. There are plenty of jobs related to Social Science to do after University. This glossary will be dedicated to explaining terms you may hear or use while taking courses related to Social Science at Cegep or University.
Academic disciplines
Nouns
An academic discipline or field of study is a branch of knowledge, taught and researched as part of higher education.
Example: Fields of study as defined by academic discipline provide the framework for a student's program of college or postbaccalaureate study.
fr: Disciplines académiques
Anthropology
Noun
The study of human societies and cultures and their development.
Example: This joint emphasis sets anthropology apart from other humanities and natural sciences.
fr: Anthropologie
Antipositivism
Noun
In social science, antipositivism is a theoretical stance that proposes that the social realm cannot be studied with the scientific method of investigation utilized within the natural sciences, and that investigation of the social realm requires a different epistemology.
Example: Antipositivism is the view in sociology that social sciences need to create and use different scientific methods than those used in the field of natural sciences.
fr: Antipositivisme
Communication
Noun
Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one place, person or group to another.
Example: The office communicated with me about the results of our sample.
fr: Communication
Data
Noun
Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
Example: They collected data from the research of last week.
fr: Données
Eclectic
Noun
Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
Example: Universities offering an eclectic mix of courses.
fr: Éclectique
Economics
Noun
Economics is a social science concerned with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
Example: In an economy, the production and consumption of goods and services are used to fulfill the needs of those living and operating within it.
fr: Économie
Ethnography
Noun
The scientific description of the customs of individual peoples and cultures.
Example: Ethnography refers to both the data gathering of anthropology and the development of analysis of specific peoples, settings, or ways of life.
fr: Ethnographie
Falsifiable theories
Nouns
Falsifiability is the capacity for some proposition, statement, theory or hypothesis to be proven wrong.
Example: The statement "All swans are white" is falsifiable because one can observe that black swans exist.
fr: Théories falsifiables
Hypothesis
Noun
A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
Example: With a survey a researcher must have a definite hypothesis and method from the start.
fr: Hypothèse
Methodology
Noun
A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.
Example: A methodology for investigating the concept of focal points.
fr: Méthodologie
Methods
Noun
A particular form of procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, especially a systematic or established one.
Example: A method for software maintenance.
fr: Méthode
Philosophy
Noun
The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered an academic discipline.
Example: An example of philosophy is Buddhism. ... An underlying theory or set of ideas relating to a particular field of activity or to life as a whole.
fr: Philosophie
Politics
Noun
The activities of governments concerning the political relations between countries.
Example: In the conduct of global politics, economic status must be backed by military capacity.
fr: Politique
Psychology
Noun
The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context.
Example: I study Psychology at McGill University.
fr: Psychologie
Research
Noun
The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
Example: I am doing research on students from Concordia University.
fr: Recherche
Sample
Noun
A sample is an unbiased number of observations taken from a population.
Example: Samples are used in a variety of settings where research is conducted.
fr: Échantillon
Sociology
Noun
The study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society.
Example: Fred was so immersed into the academic world of Sociology that he was led to interpret his research.
fr: Sociologie
Survey
Noun
A general view, examination, or description of someone or something.
Example: The author provides a survey of the relevant literature.
fr: Sondage
Term
Noun
A word or phrase used to describe a thing or to express a concept, especially in a particular kind of language or branch of study.
Example: The term 'mother' is often used when discussing parental affiliation.
