Britannica Guide to the Social Sciences

This book traces the development of political science from ancient influences such as Plato and Aristotle to modern political shapers such as Robert A. Dahl. It covers changes to the field in both thought and practice due to the rise and fall of political regimes, world wars, colonialism, and social media. The book also includes thorough examinations of international relations, systems of government, constitutions, domestic policy, public opinion, and administration. The book ends with brief biographies of important people in the field of political science that specifies their various contributions.

This volume is a comprehensive overview of the scientific discipline that studies psychological and biological processes and behavior in humans and other animals. It features chapters on the history of the field, the thought process, memory, theories of personality, and key figures-such as William James, Sigmund Freud, Jean Piaget, B. F. Skinner, and Daniel Kahneman-who helped shape the field. The difference between clinical psychology and the growing science of mind, brain, and social behavior is discussed, as are several subfields of psychology. A glossary offers a quick reference for definitions of key terms in the field. This comprehensive guide is the perfect introduction for students, in particular those studying the development of the field.

Historiography is the writing of history and the study of such writing, particularly that based on critically examining sources, choosing specific details from authentic materials within those sources, and finally, amalgamating all these details into a history that can withstand an analytical scrutiny. This pithy volume delves into a thorough examination, beginning with Egypt, where the world's earliest annals were penned. The text then takes the reader through the evolution of historiography, winding through its most important human activities, questions, and understandings. This thought-provoking book also guides readers through the theories and the history of historical writing.

Sociology, the study of human behavior in social groups, is a relatively recent discipline within the social sciences, which examine human behavior, culture, and society using scientific methodology in both research and analysis. This resource explains the rise of the social sciences, in particular sociology, charting the history of the discipline and its founders. The key principles and fundamental theories are examined in detail, and the contemporary status of sociology and today's major players are noted. Readers will also learn the importance of methodology in sociology and all social sciences.

The effects of economic decision making are far-reaching. Economics is more than just business-the course of government, society, and more has been determined, to a large degree, by economic players. This comprehensive volume takes a three-pronged approach to introduce readers to the essentials of economics: after providing an overview of basic economic concepts, it chronicles the development of economics as a discipline and then launches into an examination of the various economic systems in existence. Key economic thinkers and critical concepts are spotlighted in sidebars throughout the text to provide readers with a complete foundation in this vital social science.

This authoritative guide offers readers a comprehensive look into the world of anthropology and its related sciences. The book covers the essential areas of the field, including its history. The major branches of the field are also discussed, including cultural and social anthropology as well as archaeology. It also explores the study of the discipline around the world through urban, medical, and applied anthropology. This is a perfect resource for anyone interested in world cultures and the history of different peoples.