Key Concepts
What concept refers to an individual human being?
Persons
What is socialisation?
The process through which people learn the values, behaviours and expectations of society.
What is personal identity?
A person’s understanding of who they are as an individual.
What is intercultural communication?
Communication between people from different cultural backgrounds.
Which research method involves asking prepared questions to a group of people?
Questionnaire or survey
What concept describes people who interact and share common features, interests or goals?
Groups
Name one agent of socialisation.
Family, peers, school, media, religion or workplace.
What is social identity?
The part of a person’s identity influenced by their membership of social and cultural groups.
What is a stereotype?
A simplified and generalised belief about a group of people.
Which research method involves an in-depth conversation with a participant?
Interview
What concept refers to the rules and structures that organise society?
Society
What is the difference between micro and macro perspectives?
Micro examines individuals and small groups, while macro examines large social structures and institutions.
Name two factors that can influence identity.
Examples include family, peers, gender, culture, religion, media, location and socioeconomic status.
Name one possible cause of intercultural misunderstanding.
Different languages, gestures, values, customs, communication styles or stereotypes.
What is secondary research?
Using information that has already been collected or produced by someone else.
What concept describes the shared beliefs, values, customs and behaviours of a group?
Culture
What is social and cultural continuity?
When beliefs, values, traditions or behaviours remain relatively stable over time.
What is conformity?
Changing or maintaining behaviour to match the expectations of a group or society.
What is cultural continuity?
The maintenance and transmission of cultural beliefs, practices and traditions across generations.
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?
Qualitative data uses descriptions and experiences, while quantitative data uses numbers and statistics.
Name the five fundamental course concepts.
Persons, society, culture, environment and time
Explain the relationship between continuity and change
Some aspects of society and culture remain stable, while others transform over time. Change may also cause people to protect traditions.
Explain how identity can change over time.
Identity changes as people gain new experiences, enter different groups and respond to changes in their social and cultural environment.
Identify two strategies for effective intercultural communication.
Listen carefully, avoid assumptions, show respect, ask questions, develop cultural awareness and clarify misunderstandings.
Why are ethics important in social research?
They protect participants through informed consent, privacy, confidentiality and protection from harm.