HSC Verbs/Research Methods
What does the verb 'identify' require you to do?
Point out and name.
Define change
Change is the alteration or modification of cultural elements of society.
Provide an example of change at the micro level.
Teacher decision.
Provide an example of continuity at the micro level.
Traditions e.g. Christmas lunch
What theory did Karl Marx put forward?
Conflict Theory
What does the verb ‘outline’ requires you to do?
The verb ‘outline’ requires you to give a brief summary of the main features.
Define continuity.
Continuity is the persistance or maintenance of cultural elemets of society overtime.
Provide an example of meso change.
Teacher decision.
Provide an example of meso level continuity.
School and community ANZAC day ceremonies
Evolutionary theory describes change as society moving from _____ to ______. This theory was made by _________ Spencer.
Societies move from simple to complex.
Herbert Spencer.
What does the verb 'explain' require you to do?
The verb ‘explain’ requires you to showing how and why it occurs. (cause and effect).
Define modernisation.
Modernisation is the process of societies adopting the values and practices of apparently more 'advanced' societies.
Provide an example of a macro change that is institutional.
Changes involving law, education and government.
Provide an example of a macro continuity that is institutional.
Related to government and law.
e.g. Having a prime minister in charge of Aus for last 100 years.
Emilie Durkheim made ________ theory and he views society as a _______ and he assumes that change happens through_____.
Emile Durkheim made functionalist theory and he views society as a system of connected parts and he assumes that change happens through concensus.
A sociologist is investigating the effects of social media on political engagement among young Australians.
Suggest 2 research methods that could be used to gather information.
Questionnaire – to collect qual/quantitative data from a large sample of young Australians.
Interviews – to gather qualitative, in-depth insights.
Other - teacher decision.
Define westernisation and provide an example.
Westernisation is the process of societies adopting the values and practices of western socities (Europe/North America). Japanese people adopting Christian aesthetic weddings.
Describe the difference between evolutionary change and transformative change.
Evolutionary change is gradual; transformative change is sudden and radical.
In 2020, the Supreme Court of Kenya ruled that girls could no longer be excluded from secondary education due to early marriage. Some local communities resisted the ruling, continuing to keep girls at home. In response, thousands of students and community members organised marches and awareness campaigns to support the court’s decision.
The interaction of which concepts is best demonstrated by these actions?
Gender – The issue involves girls’ rights to education.
Beliefs - of local community
Power/Empowerment – Students and community members acted collectively to assert rights and encourage change.
Authority - The Supreme Court exercised institutional authority to enforce legal change.
Change -
George Herbert Mead developed _____________ it is a _____ level theory. He argues that change happens through _____.
George Herbert Mead developed symbolic interactionism. It is a micro-level theory. He argues that change happens through everyday social interactions and the creation of shared meanings.
A researcher wants to explore the impact of multicultural education in NSW high schools. They want to use a questionnaire. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this method?
Strengths: Quick data collection, easy to quantify, consistent questions.
Weaknesses: Superficial responses, misunderstandings, socially desirable answers, cannot explore unexpected issues.
In 2019, a large group of university students across Australia organised a climate strike. They used social media to coordinate their protests, gather signatures for petitions, and engage with politicians. This resulted in the government investing more money into green energy. Which concepts best apply to this scenario?
Power/empowerment – Students influence political decisions through protest and petitions
Technologies– Social media allows students to connect.
Change – Society is being influenced by both grassroots activism and institutional policy shifts.
What changes has Rwandan society experienced.
Rwandan society experienced colonial institutional change, including racial segregation that privileged certain groups. Post-independence, these structures were dismantled, leading to political, social, and legal reforms promoting equality and national unity.
A local artist in Vietnam used to sell handmade crafts only at a traditional market. In recent years, they set up an online store to sell their products worldwide and started adopting Western marketing strategies, including social media advertising and digital payment systems. This has increased their income and influenced other local businesses to adopt similar methods.
Whiche oncepts are best demonstrated in this scenario?
Globalisation – The artist reaches international markets through online platforms.
Modernisation – Adoption of new technologies and business methods changes economic practices.
Westernisation – Use of Western marketing strategies and digital payment systems influences local culture and commerce.
Change – Economic and cultural practices in the local community are evolving due to these influences.
Technology – Social media and online stores facilitate broader access and new business opportunities.
Apply conflict theory to a real life example.
Teacher to decide quality
or
The suffragette movement illustrates conflict theory. Women challenged the political and social power held by men who excluded them from voting. Through protests, civil disobedience and campaigning, women forced society and government to change, gaining the right to vote. This reflects social change driven by the struggle between groups with unequal power.