Starter Exercise

• Design a simple that test will distinguish an animal from a human?

Human Sciences

Human sciencesStudying Human Behaviour

• Psychology• Economics• Anthropology• Sociology

Methods

• Observation• Measurement• Experiment• Laws

Observation

• Much of science is based on observation – watching experiments for example.

• Human sciences involve observing behaviour. But we can only observe behaviour and make an educated guess as to why someone is doing something. We can’t actually get into their minds and be sure.

Possible solution – ask them!But • people generally want to be seen in a good

light so don’t always answer honestly.• Most people tend to overestimate their

strengths and underestimate their weaknesses

Complete the following questionnaireBelow average Average Above average

How much do you worry about what other people think of you?To what extent do you see yourself a considerate person?Do you have a good sense of humour?How open are you to new ideas?How worried are you about environmental problems?

Observer effect

3 ways of getting around the observer effect…

• Take 3 minutes to discuss.• Habituation (Big Brother)• Go native (live as part of the community)• Hidden cameras

Loaded question

• A loaded question is a question that contains a hidden assumption which may encourage people to answer one way rather than another.

Should we introduce national service?

• Students , are you worried about the rise in crime among teenagers”?

• Answer now• Do you think there is a lack of discipline and vigorous

training in our comprehensive schools• Answer now• Do you think young people welcome some structure

and leadership in their lives?• Answer now• Do they respond to a challenge• Answer now• Might you be in favor of reintroducing National Service• Answer now

• Students, are you worried about the danger of war?• Answer now• Are you unhappy about the growth of armaments?• Answer now• Do you think there’s a danger in giving young people

guns and teaching them how to kill• Answer now• Do you think it’s wrong to force people to take up arms

against their will• Answer now• Would you oppose the reintroduction of National

Service • Answer now

Inconsistencies

• Psychology – bright and less bright

• Economics – bull and bear markets

• Anthropology – voodoo death