Download Chapter 12: Reading in the Social Sciences

Chapter 13: Reading in the
Social Sciences
Academic Reading,
Fifth Edition
by Kathleen T. McWhorter
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Learning Objectives:
To learn why social sciences are
“sciences”
To discover specialized reading
techniques for the social sciences
To learn what common thought patterns
to anticipate
To adapt your study techniques for
social science courses
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
The Scientific Approach
All social sciences use the scientific method, which is
a systematic way of drawing conclusions about
events or observations.
Five steps in the “scientific approach”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Problem or Research Question.
Observations.
Formulation of Hypothesis/
Research Design.
Data Analysis.
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Characteristics of Social Sciences
1. The emphasis is on facts.
2. Many new terms are introduced.
3. Graphics are important.
4. Research references are stressed.
5. Theories and their creators
are emphasized.
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Specialized Reading Techniques
1. Identify Key Terms
Terms that describe general behavior and
organizational patterns
Names of stages and processes
Laws, principles, theories, and models
Names of important researchers and
theorists
2. Understand Theories
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Specialized Reading Techniques
3. Read Research Reports
Determine who conducted the research.
Identify its purpose.
Find out how the research was done.
Understand the research results.
Find out what theory the results support.
Discover the implications and
applications of the research.
4. Read to Make Comparisons
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Specialized Reading Techniques
5. Read to Make Practical Applications
Example: “Project the key political issues
that will be involved in the next
presidential election.”
6. Focus on Large Ideas
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Thought Patterns in the Social
Sciences
Comparison and contrast
Cause and Effect
Listing
Definition
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Adapting Your
Study Techniques
Schedule 2-3 hour blocks of time per
week for reading, review, and study.
Recognize that understanding is not the
same as learning and recall.
Use the SQ3R system to learn material.
Review frequently.
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Adapting Your
Study Techniques
Make connections between topics and
chapters.
Use the study guide if there is one.
Keep a log of total hours studied per
week to maintain motivation.
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Summary Questions:
What are six specialized reading
techniques for the social sciences?
What are the four thought patterns that
predominate in the social sciences?
What are some tips for adapting your
study techniques to the social sciences?
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers
Read the article on sociology
and complete the activities
following the selection.
“Crowd Behavior”
by J. Ross
Eshleman, Barbara
J. Cashion, and
Laurence A.
Basirico
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Longman Publishers