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DISCIPLINE AND IDEAS IN THE SOCIAL

SCIENCES
QUARTER 2 – MODULE 3
Lesson 1: ROLE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE IN
THE SOCIETY
Lesson 2: INTERDISCIPLINARY AND
MULTIDISCIPLINARY AS AN
APPROACH TO STUDY SOCIETY

INTRODUCTION (What I need to know)

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 As you are close to the final section of this subject Discipline and Ideas in Social Science,
it is important that you have fully understood the different Social Science disciplines and its
contribution to the social development.
In this module, you will analyze how you can make use of Social Sciences in addressing
social concerns and phenomenon.

(MELCS) Most Essential Learning Competency:

Analyze the practical use of Social Sciences in addressing social concerns and
phenomenon

At the end of the modules, you should be able to:

a. determine the role of social science in the society;
b. examine how social science can help address social issues;
c. analyze the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to resolve issues and
concerns in the society.

DISCUSSIONS AND ACTIVITIES (What is it)

Role of Social Science in our Society

Everyday we use social science in our lives. It is essential for us how we understand and
interpret the world around us. It can determine what career path you are going to choose in the
future. In order to predict where the human race might be heading, and taking the rest of the
world with it, an understanding of the role of social science is a must.

Social science offers an insight into society and the relationships between individuals
within that society. It is a broad field, encompassing sociology, history, geography, political
science, psychology, anthropology, and law.

In our previous lessons, we understood that Social Science focuses on the activities of
the physical and social environment. Basically, it deals with human behavior, community
relations and utilization of various resources. It provides vital information for governments and
policymakers, local authorities, non-governmental organizations and others.

Why Social Science is important?

The Social Sciences are those disciplines that use research and analysis to examine
human behavior. There are techniques as collecting and analyzing statistics, conducting
experiments, and examining what people have written and created, in an attempt to understand
why people, act the way they do.
It is important because its study helps us to gain knowledge of the society, we live in.
Generally, Social Science focus on the relationships among individuals in society. It is mixture of
many subjects like History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Social
Psychology and many more. (open.edu, 2020).

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 It is important to study social sciences because they are about what it means to be
human. When we better understand ourselves, we can better understand how the world works.
Once we understand that, we are able to identify root causes of society's problems and find more
effective solutions.

Social Science Disciplines in the society

Social Definition Focus The Basic

Science question
relative to the
discipline
Sociology The study of the origins, organization, and Relationships What are the
institutions, and development of human among humans functions of the
beings and how these findings apply to and groups living various groups
society today. together in in society and
societies what factors do
people in these
groups have in
common?
Anthropology The study of the origin and the physical, The physical and What are the
social, and cultural development cultural cultural
and behavior of humans. This social development of patterns that
Science deals with the origins of humans and their help define
man & woman by studying the societies these societies
development and customs of humans. and the people
in them?
Psychology The study of the mind and the ways of The behavior and What is going
thought in an attempt to explain the ways thought processes on inside a
people think, act and feel. It is the science of the individual, person’s mind
of mental process and behavior. The and the ways in that causes
emotions are studied. which an them to behave
individual act and this way?
reacts to other
humans and to
society.
Economics This subject of interest deals with the The production, How have
matters or problems related to the optimal distribution and people
allocation of limited resources, which have consumption of organized the
alternative uses (decision-making). In order resources, production and
to satisfy the infinite needs and desires of goods and services distribution of
the people or to maximize the utilities or among individuals goods and
the pleasures that the consumers will and groups within services?
obtain from goods, services, or experiences. a society.
Political This is the systematic analysis of various The organizations How are people
Science political institutions and processes, sources people have governed?
and limits of political power and its developed to make
manifestations, types of legitimate rules and laws for
authority or rule, and systems of their society.
government.

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Geography It is the field of study that serves as the The distribution of How has
bridge between the Social Sciences and the the features of the society been
Natural Sciences, particularly the Earth physical shaped by the
Sciences, as it examines the people and environment and use of the land
their environments and analyzes the of the people who and its
geographical relationships between all use those features resources?
cultural and physical phenomena in the
world.
(open.edu, 2020)

Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary as an Approach to Study

Society
A discipline refers to a specific branch of learning or body of knowledge that has a
different body of concepts, theories, framework, subject matter, perspectives, world views,
assumptions, and research methodologies. Each of these disciplines or branches of knowledge
are different from the other branches of learnings.

There are four main clusters of traditional disciplines. These include the following:

Clusters of Traditional Disciplines

Clusters of Traditional Scope
Disciplines
Natural Sciences Include the life sciences and physical sciences
Social Sciences Include sociology, economics, political science, geography,
anthropology, history, and psychology
Applied profession Businesses, communications, criminal justice, education,
engineering, law, social work, nursing, and medicine
Humanities Include art and art history, literature, music, philosophy, and
religious studies
In the social sciences, each of the discipline studies human society, human behavior, and
their culture in a specific lens or approach that is unique to that particular discipline. This is
often referred to as disciplinarity because the focus of study and analysis is limited only to
particular field of study or specialization. Discipline – based studies and orientation of major
branches of the social sciences started to disappear with the emergence of interdisciplinary
social science. Through this major development in social science research, the various
disciplines of the social sciences produced a vibrant interaction of diverse scholarly researchers
and teaching communities.
Interdisciplinary social science approach or interdisciplinarity involves the application of
two or more fields of study or disciplines to address and answer social problems and issues. In
this approach, a problem can be solved through the analysis, synthesis, and coordination
between and among the different disciplines to form a coherent research. Most of the researchers
in the social sciences have shifted to the application of interdisciplinary approaches in the study
of the society. This new form of study provides a systematic way of providing answers to
questions, solving problems, and addressing very broad complex topics through the application
of the various social science perspectives and integrating data, information, techniques,

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methodology, concepts, theories, and frameworks coming from two or more of its diverse
disciplines (Replok 2008,) (Dela Cruz, 2916) (Arleigh Ross Dela Cruz, 2016)
What is Multidisciplinary Approach?

To fully understand and address a problem, a multidisciplinary approach can be utilized.

The multidisciplinary approach involves the application and collaboration of several separate
branches or disciplines of the social science to examine and solve present day problems that
plague society from each discipline’s perspective. Multidisciplinary researches are conducted in
orders to fully grasp the nature, scope, and magnitude of the social problem. Problems that deal
with social and economic development require a multidisciplinary perspective because a
discipline – based approach to the problem will not provide a complete analysis of the social
problem.

Multidisciplinary approaches are important in understanding and addressing social

problems because in the real world, policy researchers or proposals drafted and implemented to
solve social problems are not crafted through the use of a single discipline.

Raymond C. Miller (1981), a professor of social science in San Francisco State University
noted that a discipline approach to address problems is a futile endeavor. According to Miller
(1982, 6-7) this problem was experienced by economist when they made several
recommendations to less developed countries were “irrelevant of erroneous due to their failure to
consider the social and political context or the applicability of their culture – bound models”.

In the Philippines, the different fields of the social sciences play important roles to help
understand and provide alternative solutions to the country’s present-day social problems. The
use of the different approaches introduced by the social sciences is important to understand the
social problems because all our current social problems are connected with the other problems.
For example, poverty is a problem that can be connected with unemployment, overpopulation,
corruption, and underdevelopment. One field of the social sciences will not be able to fully grasp
the nature and extent of the problem nor can it provide an integrative solution unless a
multidisciplinary or a multifaceted approach is used to understand the problem and its solution.

Below are the examples of the different Philippine social problems and the different social
science disciplines that can help examine the nature, scope, and solution to the problem.

Example Social Problems in the Philippines

and the Multidisciplinary Approaches to Address the Problem

Social Problem Multidisciplinary approaches to address the problem

Poverty Economic, Historical, Sociological, Anthropological, and Political
approaches

Unemployment Economic, Historical, Sociological, and Political approaches

Disasters Economic, Historical, Sociological, Psychological, Geographical,

Anthropological, and Political approaches

(Dela Cruz, 2916) (Arleigh Ross Dela Cruz, 2016)

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ACTIVITY 1: PICTURE OF REALITY?
Directions: Determine the roles of social sciences in the society based on the identified social
issues in the picture.

Social Science Social Issues Role of Social Science

1. Political Science

2. Sociology

3. Economics

Source: YOUth can.com

ACTIVITY 2: LINKING SCENARIOS

Directions: Complete the table below. Write your explanation in your answer sheets.

What Social Science discipline Explain

would address the scenario? (How can the identified Social
Scenario
Science discipline address the
scenario?)
1. Understanding the causes
for eating disorders. Psychology
2. Finding a solution to our Environmental
garbage.
3. Understanding a teenager’s Psychology
suicide
4. Explaining why a high
school student constantly Psychology
misbehaves in class

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 5. Understanding a ritual at
holiday time (eg. Why cook Anthropology
kakanin during All Soul’s
Day)

ACTIVITY 3: I COMPARE IT!

Directions: Compare and contrast the interdisciplinary approach and multidisciplinary
approach. Make your own Venn diagram on a separate sheet and answer the guide
questions below.

INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Differences Differences

Similarities

Guide Questions:

1. Which is a better approach to study society and social problems? Why?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

2. How can we apply the multidisciplinary approach in the social sciences to understand and
address the problem?
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_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

ASSESSMENT
I. Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it in your answer sheets.

1. People who live within a territory who share an identity and culture.
A. government B. politics C. economics D. Society
2. Systematic study of social and group behavior in society.
A. Anthropology B. Economics C. Psychology D. Sociology
3. Way of life of a people which includes their values, beliefs, and social practices.
A. culture B. freedom C. behavior D. society
4. Conditions that undermine the well-being of some or all members of society.
A. Social conflict B. Social justice C. Social welfare D. Social problems
5. A modern society that is organized around the unequal distribution of resources.
A. Conflict perspective B. poverty line C. social policy D. symbolic interaction

II. Directions: Identify what is stated in every item and write your answers in the answer sheet.

1. Focuses on relationships among humans and groups living together in societies.

2. Study of the activities of the physical and social environment.
3. Focuses on the distribution of features of the physical environment and the people.
4. Deals with the matters of problems related to the allocation of scarce resources.
5. Refers to branch of learning or body of knowledge that has a different body of concepts,
theories, framework, subject matter, perspective and among others.
6. Science of mental process and behavior.
7. Study of the origin and the physical, social, and cultural development and behavior of
humans.
8. Involves the application of two or more fields or discipline to address and answer social
problems.
9. Traditional discipline that includes art and art history, literature, music, philosophy, and
religious studies.
10. Problem that can be connected with unemployment, overpopulation, corruption and
underdevelopment.

III. Directions: Give your ideas in three sentences on the following topics. Be guided
by the given rubrics.

1. How can the social sciences help understand and solve social problems of the Philippines?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

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2. Why is it important to use the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach in the social
sciences to understand social issues in the society?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Rubrics for Essay

CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS
Organization The concept was clearly and descriptive conveyed. 5
Content The content was clearly discussed. 5
Presentation The idea was clearly presented based on topic selected. 5
TOTAL 15

Answer Key to Activities

Answer may vary Answer may vary Answers may vary
Activity 3: Activity 2: Activity 1:

References:
Book:
Dela Cruz, Et.al 2016, Discipline and Ideas in the Social Sciences, Quezon Ave., Quezon City Phoenix Publishing
House

Online Sources:
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/ocw/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=4498&printable=1
https://items.ssrc.org/from-our-archives/social-science-and-contemporary-social-problems/
https://www.slideshare.net/sgrinage1/social-science-26875118
https://www.palgrave.com/gp/campaigns/social-science-matters/10-reasons-for-social-science
https://www.theasianschool.net/blog/importance-of-social-science/
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-science.asp
https://artifacts.ai/your-complete-guide-on-why-social-science-is-important/
https://www.slideshare.net/nik_telan28/the-socialsciencedisciplines
https://open.lib.umn.edu/socialproblems/chapter/1-1-what-is-a-social-problem/
https://www.slideshare.net/eLearningJa/new-ss-m1-u1l1719socialissues
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/04/18/beyond-the-data-what-does-being-poor-in-the-phl-mean
https://esrc.ukri.org/about-us/what-is-social-science/

DIVISION QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT TEAM IN HUMSS

WRITER: ROSEMARIE B. ALVIOR

VALIDATORS:
DR. MARILEX A. TERCIAS DR. EUGENE M. TORALBA
DR. ALBERTO O. RABANG DR. VIRGINIA B. FREGILLANA
JEANNEROSE M. ACOSTA ZOSIMA IRENE H. FERNANDEZ
MA. JOCELYN J. SOTONG DANILO T. SIBLAG
VICTOR B. ABAN JAMELIE M. CRISPINO

CONSULTANTS:
DR. DANILO C. SISON 9 DR. TEODORA V. NABOR
DR. CORNELIO R. AQUINO DR. JEROME S. PARAS
DR. MAYBELENE C. BAUTISTA
 Answer Key to Assessment

Activity 1: Activity 2: Activity 3:

1. D. Society 1. Sociology Answers may vary

2. D. Sociology 2. Social Science

3. A. Culture 3. Geography
4. D. Social problems 4. Economics
5. A. Conflict perspective 5. Discipline

6. Psychology

7. Anthropology

8. Interdisciplinary social science

approach/interdisciplinarity

9. Humanities

10. Poverty

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