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Perspectives in the Social Sciences SCS100 – Explore Human Behavior and Society

Published: 2025-10-06

Modified: 2025-10-06

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Introduction:

Perspectives in the Social Sciences SCS100 explores how human behavior, culture, and society connect through major social science theories.Gain insights from sociology, psychology, and political science to understand human interactions and social change.For expert research support, visit Owlisdom’s Dissertation Writing Excellence.

SCS 100 1-1 Discussion: The Value of Understanding the Social Sciences

Instructions of SCS-100 1-1 Discussion

Discussion: The Value of Understanding the Social Sciences

Welcome to your first discussion in SCS 100. Each discussion is meant to be a collaborative space for conversation about the course concepts and for learning from your peers’ diverse perspectives.

To ensure an interesting discussion, you are encouraged to think creatively about your initial posts and build upon the points made by your peers. It is also important to review the module resources and read the prompts in their entirety before participating in the discussion.

Create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts.

For your initial post, address the following:

Introduce yourself to the class.
- What degree are you pursuing and why?
- Where do you live?
- How would you describe your identity? In other words, what makes you, you?
Discuss the value of studying the social sciences for everyone, not just social scientists. Why might it be important for individuals and society to understand how the social sciences relate to current events and contemporary issues?
Consider a recent event, either in your personal life or in the news. In a few sentences, describe how basic knowledge of the social sciences could help you better understand that event, make decisions, or act.

For your response posts, address the following:

Pick two peers who chose current events or personal experiences different from yours. Offer your own ideas about how knowing the social sciences might affect how your peers understand the events they identify.

Remember, this assignment is graded on the quality of your initial post and at least two response posts to your classmates. You are not required to do research for this discussion. If you do refer to resources, be sure to include an attribution (or citation) to the resource.

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric.

Introduction to SCS 100 1-1 Discussion

Welcome to the How-To Guide SCS 100 1-1 Discussion post. This post will discuss the value of understanding the social sciences. I will provide brief and descriptive guidelines to solve this Discussion post and a dummy solution for each section. This Owlisdom How-To Guide will equip you with strategies and insights to tackle all the queries related to SCS 100 1-1 Discussion: The Value of Understanding the Social Sciences. Let us begin with the guide.

What degree are you pursuing and why? Where do you live? How would you describe your identity? In other words, what makes you, you?

Ice Breaking

In the introductory section of SCS 100 1-1 Discussion: The Value of Understanding the Social Sciences, we will focus on introducing ourselves as briefly as possible by keeping the following instructions in mind:

Introduce Yourself: Start with a friendly greeting to the class. Please mention your name and perhaps a hobby or interest to make it personal and engaging.
Degree Pursuit and Reason: Share the degree you are pursuing and explain why you chose it. Keep your explanation brief but insightful, focusing on your passion or goal.
Location: Mention where you live generally (city/state or country). You can add a fun fact about your location if you wish.
Personal Identity: Describe what makes you unique. Think about your values, experiences, or aspirations. Keep it concise and reflective.

Example

Hello, class. I’m Jordan, a digital art enthusiast majoring in computer science. My passion for technology’s role in creative expression and problem-solving inspired my degree choice. I hail from Boston, Massachusetts, which is famous for its historic Boston Common. My relentless curiosity and drive for knowledge define me, constantly pushing me out of my comfort zone.

Discuss the value of studying the social sciences for everyone, not just social scientists. Why might it be necessary for individuals and society to understand how the social sciences relate to current events and contemporary issues?

The Value of Social Sciences

This SCS 100 1-1 Discussion: The Value of Understanding the Social Sciences section will focus on the value of the social sciences.

Importance for All: Briefly state why social sciences are essential for social scientists and everyone. Mention how they help us understand human behaviour and societal trends.
Relation to Current Events and Contemporary Issues: Explain how social sciences can illuminate current events and issues, making us more informed citizens. Provide a general statement about the importance of awareness and education on societal dynamics.

Example

The study of social sciences is invaluable for everyone, not solely for social scientists. It offers deep insights into human behaviour and societal trends, essential for comprehending our complex world. Beyond academic interest, the social sciences equip us with the analytical tools to understand and navigate current events and contemporary issues effectively. They enable us to critically assess the implications of global happenings, from political shifts to public health crises, fostering a well-informed citizenry. This awareness and education are crucial for meaningful participation in society, driving progress, and facilitating solutions to collective challenges, highlighting the universal importance of social sciences.

Consider a recent event in your personal life or the news. In a few sentences, describe how basic knowledge of the social sciences could help you better understand that event, make decisions, or act.

Application to a Recent Event

Here, in SCS 100 1-1 Discussion: The Value of Understanding the Social Sciences. We will compare the basic social science knowledge with a recent life event.

Description of an Event: Choose a recent event from your life or the news. Describe it in a few sentences, focusing on the essential details relevant to your point.
Social Sciences’ Insights: Explain how a basic understanding of social sciences could provide insights into this event. Mention how it could help in understanding, decision-making, or taking action. Keep your explanation relevant and to the point.

Example

Recently, our community faced a significant increase in homelessness, highlighted by a local news report. This situation has led to various responses from various community sectors, from empathy to frustration. Understanding social sciences, particularly sociology and economics, sheds light on the complexities of homelessness. It highlights how societal structures, economic policies, and social factors contribute to such issues. This knowledge encourages a more empathetic and informed response, recognising that homelessness is not just an individual failure but a systemic issue. It has informed my decision to support initiatives addressing the root causes, such as affordable housing and mental health services, rather than just the symptoms. Social sciences emphasise the importance of a comprehensive, informed approach to social issues, guiding more effective and compassionate actions.

Pick two peers who chose current events or personal experiences different from yours. Explain how knowing the social sciences might affect how your peers understand their identified events.

Responding to Peers

Responding to peers enhances learning, builds relationships, and improves communication skills. It also fosters a supportive environment essential for personal and professional growth, empathy, and effective collaboration.

Selection Criteria for Peers: Choose two peers who discussed events or experiences different from yours. This will allow for a diverse range of discussions.
Constructive Response Guidelines: Write a short paragraph for each peer. Start by acknowledging their post. Then, offer your perspective on how knowledge of social sciences might change or deepen the understanding of the events they described. Be supportive and constructive in your feedback.

Response 01

“Hi Alex, I appreciated your insights on the recent increase in remote work due to the pandemic. Considering how the social sciences could offer a deeper understanding of such situations is interesting. For instance, knowing about the psychology of isolation and the sociology of work might reveal why people reacted the way they did to the sudden shift or how the event reflects broader societal trends toward digital integration in our daily lives. It’s fascinating how interconnected knowledge and everyday life can be.”

Response 02

We are supposed to write two peer responses. I have addressed the given instructions in one response. Following these instructions, you can quickly write your peer responses to SCS 100 1-1 Discussion: The Value of Understanding the Social Sciences without a hassle.

Closing

This How-To Guide encourages active participation and thoughtful engagement in the discussion, fostering a collaborative and respectful learning environment. I am confident you will ace the SCS 100 1-1 Discussion: The Value of Understanding the Social Sciences post by following these guidelines. Good luck! In the next module of SCS-100, we will explore the 1-3 Assignment on the Review Project.

SCS 100 1-3 ASSIGNMENT: Review Project

Instructions for SCS-100 1-3 Assignment

1-3 Review Project Guidelines and Rubric

Course Outcomes

In this project, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes:

Develop questions about fundamental aspects of human behavior that inform personal assumptions, beliefs, and values using evidence from the social sciences
Investigate major developments in the progression of social scientific thought to inform critical questions that drive social scientific inquiry.
Utilize fundamental approaches to social scientific research in addressing questions related to human behaviors.
Articulate the value of the social sciences for their impact on contemporary issues.s

Overview

Advertisements can tell you a lot more than just what products to buy. If you analyze them using social science questions and approaches, they can also tell you a lot about individuals, groups, cultural identity, and society. Biases, beliefs, and values of the companies selling the products and the people they are marketed to can also be found. Sometimes these reflections can be positive, negative. Using social science approaches can help you analyze the ads you see and make sense of the large amounts of information you are presented with every day.

Directions

Complete this project by addressing the criteria below. You will work on parts of the project in each module and receive instructor feedback. Your final submission will be a revision of the work you do throughout the course. Be sure to incorporate instructor feedback from each assignment along the way. Read these guidelines and rubric criteria closely, and reach out to your instructor if you have any questions.

Part One: Advertisement Analysis
In this section, you will analyze the four advertisements you selected earlier in the course. Use social science approaches to gather specific information from them. As you conduct your analyses, think about what these advertisements say about the companies selling the products, the organizations making the ads, the people purchasing the products, and society as a whole.

Determine how individuals and groups are represented in the advertisements.
1. What audiences are the advertisements trying to reach?
2. What unspoken or underlying messages do you think the ads might be sending?
Identify stereotyped group behavior in the advertisements.
1. What are the advertisements saying about the behavior of the groups represented in them?
2. What underlying messages do the advertisements send about the group behaviors in them and the audiences they assume will be consuming the products?
Determine how different cultures are represented in the advertisements.
1. How do the ads represent culture? Are any stereotypes being used?
2. What unspoken or underlying messages do you think the ads might be sending about culture?
Discuss how ethical issues in the social sciences impact advertising. Look beyond the economic effects of advertisements and consider the following questions to help address this prompt:
1. Do the ads confirm biases? Do they rely on stereotypes? Do they support social change? Do they stay neutral on social or political movements? Should they get involved in social or political movements?
2. Why might it be important for advertisers and companies in a diverse world to be as inclusive and unbiased as possible?

Part Two:Social Science Questions
The answers that come from an analysis can often lead to more questions. In this section, you will use the information you found from your advertisement analyses to ask a broader social science question. You do not need to answer the question, but you do need to talk about how you might study your advertisements using the skills and knowledge you’ve gained in this course.

Propose a finalized social science research question based on your analysis of the advertisements you chose.
1. Think beyond the minor details from your analysis and consider what the ads say about individuals, groups, institutions, or society.
2. What is the meaning or significance of the ads? For example, you might be interested in ethical issues related to advertising. You might want to explore how current events influence the content of ads. Or maybe you would like to ask how common themes in ads could impact an audience’s self-concept.
Discuss how you used a social science perspective to develop your research question.
1. Explain how you used social science concepts, perspectives, or approaches to write your research question.
Explain one major development in the social sciences that may have influenced your research question.
1. The major development could include an important event, a discovery, the rejection of an old theory, the acceptance of a new theory, or a change in culture that affected the field.
2. How might these changes in thinking and research have affected the conclusions drawn about your advertisements and the questions asked about them?

Part Three: Reflection
In this section, you will reflect on your experience using social science perspectives to analyze advertisements and ask research questions. You will consider how your personal beliefs, assumptions, and values influenced the question you developed, and explain why knowledge of the social sciences is important to understanding yourself, other people, and the world around you.

Describe how your assumptions, beliefs, and/or values influenced the way you analyzed your advertisements.
1. Consider how your perceptions of the social world may have influenced the way you viewed your advertisements. Did/they cause you to make assumptions about the people in the ads? Did you focus on certain advertisements or parts of advertisements as a result? How might someone with a different set of beliefs view your advertisements?
Discuss how social science perspectives or approaches could be used to process information.
1. Focus on the social science perspectives or approaches you feel would be the most beneficial for analyzing the information you are presented with every day.
2. For example, would analyzing ads on social media from a political science perspective help you better understand a company’s political stance on issues? What perspective would help you determine if there was a possible link between the length of a commercial and its intended audience? Would examining an ad targeted at caregivers from a sociological perspective help you understand the meaning of family in various cultures?
Explain how looking at the world from social science perspectives may impact your personal life.
1. How might using social science skills help you process and understand the information you use in your life?
Explain how examining issues from social science perspectives may affect your community relationships.
1. Think about challenges or opportunities in your community. How might applying social science perspectives to those issues benefit your community?
Discuss how being more informed about the social sciences may help you understand global contemporary issues.
1. Consider how understanding the ways social scientists examine human behaviors could influence the way you approach global challenges and questions.

Introduction to SCS 100 1-3 Assignment

This Owlisdom How-To Guide provides a systematic approach to analysing advertisements through the lens of social science. Advertisements are not just tools for marketing but also mirrors reflecting societal values, biases, and cultural identities. By dissecting these ads, you can gain insights into how companies communicate with their audiences and the broader societal implications of these communications. Note that you are instructed to use four advertisements to solve your course project. I will be using two to provide a dummy solution for the SCS 100 1-3 ASSIGNMENT: Review Project. The first ad I will be using is Promote Iceland: Let It Out! (from Product/Service: Health and Beauty section) and one Toyota: 2020 Toyota Big Game Commercial: Ft Cobie Smulders (from Product/Service: Cars and Transportation section). We will be solving this project in detail in the coming modules. For SCS SCS 100 1-3 ASSIGNMENT: Review Project. We will only provide an outline of the final project and give brief details as to what we will be writing for the final project.

In this section, you will analyse the four advertisements you selected earlier in the course. Use social science approaches to gather specific information from them. As you conduct your analyses, think about what these advertisements say about the companies selling the products, the organisations making the ads, the people purchasing the products, and society as a whole.

Part One: Advertisement Analysis

To start the SCS 100 1-3 ASSIGNMENT: Review Project, we will first analyse the advertisements we chose. We will discuss the different perspectives of these ads.

1. Determine how individuals and groups are represented in the advertisements.

A. What audiences are the advertisements trying to reach?

B. What unspoken or underlying messages do you think the ads might be sending?

Representation of Individuals and Groups

Examine the visual and textual elements in the ads to identify which audiences are targeted.
Assess the portrayal of these individuals—are they shown in stereotypical roles or in empowered positions?
Note any implicit messages about values or ideologies.

2. Identify stereotyped group behaviour in the advertisements.

A. What do the advertisements say about the behaviour of the groups represented in them?

B. What underlying messages do the advertisements send about the group behaviours in them and the audiences they assume will be consuming the products?

Stereotyped Group Behavior

Identify any group behaviours that are exaggerated or simplified.
Consider how these portrayals could affect the viewer’s perception of these groups.
Analyse whether these stereotypes serve a specific narrative or marketing goal.

3. Determine how different cultures are represented in the advertisements.

A. How do the ads represent culture? Are any stereotypes being used?

B. What unspoken or underlying messages do you think the ads might be sending about culture?

Cultural Representation

Evaluate how different cultures are depicted.
Are there any cultural stereotypes?
How do these depictions inform the viewer about the cultural values or biases of the ad creators?

Discuss how ethical issues in the social sciences impact advertising. Look beyond the economic effects of advertisements and consider the following questions to help address this prompt:
Do the ads confirm biases? Do they rely on stereotypes? Do they support social change? Do they stay neutral on social or political movements? Should they get involved in social or political movements?
Why might it be important for advertisers and companies in a diverse world to be as inclusive and unbiased as possible?

Ethical Issues in Social Sciences and Advertising

Reflect on the ethical considerations of the advertisements.
Discuss whether the ads perpetuate biases or stereotypes, contribute to social change, or remain neutral.
Explore the importance of inclusivity in advertising.

Example

The Promote Iceland ad targets global audiences seeking escapism, portraying diverse, empowered individuals who transcend typical tourist stereotypes and promoting sustainability and wellness. It subtly conveys inclusivity and the therapeutic benefits of Icelandic nature. In contrast, Toyota’s commercial with Cobie Smulders targets families, emphasising safety and reliability but also subtly reinforcing the superhero parent stereotype, potentially perpetuating unrealistic parenting expectations. Both advertisements reflect cultural values: Promote Iceland connects its landscape with cultural identity, while Toyota aligns with family-oriented values. Ethically, Promote Iceland supports environmental consciousness, aligning with societal shifts towards sustainability. Toyota, though focusing on safety, may reinforce traditional family roles. The ethical portrayal in these ads highlights the importance of inclusivity, which is crucial for brands to genuinely connect with diverse global audiences without perpetuating stereotypes and fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding.

The answers that come from an analysis can often lead to more questions. In this section, you will use the information you found from your advertisement analyses to ask a broader social science question. You do not need to answer the question, but you do need to talk about how you might study your advertisements using the skills and knowledge you have gained in this course.

Part Two: Social Science Questions

For this part of SCS 100 1-3 ASSIGNMENT: Review Project, we will answer some very important social science questions with respect to the selected advertisements.

Propose a finalised social science research question based on your analysis of the advertisements you chose.
Think beyond the minor details from your analysis and consider what the ads say about individuals, groups, institutions, or society.
What is the meaning or significance of the ads? For example, you might be interested in ethical issues related to advertising. You might want to explore how current events influence the content of ads. Or maybe you would like to ask how common themes in ads could impact an audience’s self-concept.

Formulating a Social Science Research Question

Based on your analysis, propose a broad question that explores the deeper societal implications of the ads.
This question should aim to uncover underlying social dynamics or cultural shifts.

6. Discuss how you used a social science perspective to develop your research question.

A. Explain how you used social science concepts, perspectives, or approaches to write your research question.

Developing the Research Question Using Social Science Perspectives

Explain how social science concepts helped you frame your research question.
Describe the theories or methodologies from the social sciences that influenced your approach.

Explain one major development in the social sciences that may have influenced your research question.
The major development could include an important event, a discovery, the rejection of an old theory, the acceptance of a new theory, or a culture change that affected the field.
How might these changes in thinking and research have affected the conclusions drawn about your advertisements and the questions asked about them?

Major Developments Influencing the Research Question

Discuss any recent developments in the social sciences that may have shaped your thinking about the advertisements.
This could include new theories, significant research findings, or shifts in social norms.

Example

Analysing the Promote Iceland and Toyota advertisements revealed complex representations of culture and identity, prompting the question: How do contemporary advertisements influence societal values and individual self-concept across different cultures? To explore this, a multidisciplinary approach involving cultural studies, psychology, and media analysis would be employed, drawing on theories of cultural hegemony and social identity. This research would analyse visual and textual cues within ads to determine their impact on viewers’ perceptions and behaviours. The rise of global digital campaigns and their role in shaping cultural norms, a significant development in social sciences, suggests a shift towards a more interconnected world where media not only reflects but also moulds societal values. This framework would facilitate understanding the reciprocal influence between global advertising strategies and local cultural identities, highlighting the role of media in the evolving landscape of global culture.

In this section, you will reflect on your experience using social science perspectives to analyse advertisements and ask research questions. You will consider how your personal beliefs, assumptions, and values influenced the question you developed and explain why knowledge of the social sciences is important to understanding yourself, other people, and the world around you.

Part Three: Reflection

For this part of SCS 100 1-3 ASSIGNMENT: Review Project. We will provide a brief reflection of our experience using perspectives of social science to analyse the selected ads.

Describe how your assumptions, beliefs, and/or values influenced the way you analysed your advertisements.
Consider how your perceptions of the social world may have influenced the way you viewed your advertisements. Did/they cause you to make assumptions about the people in the ads? Did you focus on certain advertisements or parts of advertisements as a result? How might someone with a different set of beliefs view your advertisements?

Influence of Personal Beliefs and Values

Reflect on how your personal beliefs and assumptions affected your analysis.
Consider how a different perspective might alter the interpretation of the ads.

9. Discuss how social science perspectives or approaches could be used to process information.

Focus on the social science perspectives or approaches you feel would be the most beneficial for analysing the information you are presented with every day.
For example, would analysing ads on social media from a political science perspective help you better understand a company’s political stance on issues? What perspective would help you determine if there was a possible link between the length of a commercial and its intended audience? Would examining an ad targeted at caregivers from a sociological perspective help you understand the meaning of family in various cultures?

Using Social Science Perspectives for Daily Information Processing

Identify which social science approaches are most useful for understanding everyday advertisements.
Discuss how these perspectives can aid in deciphering complex societal messages.

Explain how looking at the world from social science perspectives may impact your personal life.
How might using social science skills help you process and understand the information you use in your life?
Explain how examining issues from social science perspectives may affect your community relationships.
Think about challenges or opportunities in your community. How might applying social science perspectives to those issues benefit your community?

Impact of Social Science on Personal and Community Life

Evaluate how applying social science perspectives can enhance your personal relationships and community involvement.

12. Discuss how being more informed about the social sciences may help you understand global contemporary issues.

A. Consider how understanding the ways social scientists examine human behaviours could influence the way you approach global challenges and questions.

Understanding Global Issues Through Social Science

Discuss the role of social sciences in addressing global challenges.
Explain how these perspectives help you understand and respond to international crises and trends.

Example

Reflecting on my analysis of the Promote Iceland and Toyota ads, I realise that my environmental and inclusivity values shaped my interpretations. I appreciated Promote Iceland’s emphasis on sustainability and critiqued the traditional family roles in Toyota’s ad. Someone with different priorities might view these ads differently, focusing perhaps more on product features than underlying social messages. Social science perspectives like sociology and cultural studies have been crucial for understanding how advertisements communicate complex cultural signals. These approaches allow for a nuanced analysis of ads, revealing how companies might influence consumer behaviour and public perception, particularly regarding social issues. Applying social science theories enhances personal interactions and community engagement by fostering a more analytical approach to daily information. This knowledge helps address community social challenges, improve cultural sensitivity, and promote inclusivity. Moreover, using social science to understand global issues enables a structured analysis of international dynamics, enhancing our ability to respond to global crises effectively. This comprehensive view is vital for engaging with contemporary global challenges, promoting informed and proactive global citizenship.

Closing

The SCS 100 1-3 ASSIGNMENT: Review Project emphasises the power of social science in understanding and interpreting the world of advertising. Through careful analysis of advertisements, students not only learn about the market dynamics but also about societal values and cultural narratives. By adopting a critical social science perspective, students can develop a more nuanced understanding of how media shapes and is shaped by the broader social and cultural context. In the next module of SCS-100, we will explore the 2-1 Discussion: Objectivity and Bias in the Social Sciences.

SCS 100 2-1 Discussion: Objectivity and Bias in the Social Sciences

Instructions of SCS-100 2-1 Discussion

2-1 Discussion: Objectivity and Bias in the Social Sciences

Thus far, you have learned about the basics of the scientific method. An important principle is that scientific inquiry should be free from biases, emotions, and value judgments. This includes methods, results, theories, and social scientists themselves. But there is always a human element in science that can affect objectivity. Reflect on what you learned from the module resources and respond to the following prompts. You will refer to your advertisements when participating in the discussion.

Create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts.

For your initial post, address the following:

What might be the consequences (positive and/or negative) of a social scientist’s emotions or biases showing up in their research?
Examine your four advertisements. How are potential biases represented in each of your ads? Think about the biases of the advertiser (creator of the ads) and the target audience (viewers of the ads). If you do not think bias is present, explain why and provide examples from your ads to support your point.
1. In a few sentences, summarize the presence of potential biases in your advertisements.
2. Please include the links to your advertisements in your post so your peers can view them.

For your response posts, address the following:

In this week’s resources, you learned about several specific strategies that you can use to manage your biases. How might you apply some of those strategies to processing media like the advertisements your peers shared?

Remember, this assignment is graded on the quality of your initial post and at least two response posts to your classmates. If you refer to any sources, be sure to include an attribution (or citation) to the resource.

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric.

Introduction to SCS 100 2-1 Discussion

SCS 100 2-1 Discussion Guide provides the required information and guidelines to solve the SCS 100 2-1 Discussion: Objectivity and Bias in the Social Sciences post. This post will discuss the objectives and biases in the social sciences. I will provide brief and descriptive guidelines to solve this Discussion post and a dummy solution for each section. Let us begin with the steps of the guide.

What might be the consequences (positive and negative) of a social scientist’s emotions or biases showing up in their research?

Initial Post Creation

In SCS 100 2-1 Discussion: Objectivity and Bias in the Social Sciences, we must explain how biases and emotions influence the social sciences for the initial discussion post.

Briefly discuss how biases and emotions in social science research can lead to skewed results, which may either positively or negatively impact societal understanding or policies.
Highlight the importance of objectivity for credibility and effective decision-making.

Example

Biases and emotions in social science research can lead to skewed results, negatively affecting societal understanding and policymaking. For example, biased research can inform policies that fail to address broader or more critical issues, perpetuating inequalities. However, acknowledging these biases can also positively impact research by encouraging transparency and reflexivity, enhancing the study’s relevance and accessibility.

Despite these nuances, objectivity remains crucial for maintaining credibility and ensuring effective decision-making. Objective research is more likely to produce reliable findings that can inform equitable policies and interventions, addressing the root causes of societal issues. Therefore, while recognising the human element, social scientists must strive for objectivity to contribute meaningfully to society’s advancement.

Examine your four advertisements. How are potential biases represented in each of your ads? Consider the biases of the advertiser (creator of the ads) and the target audience (viewers). If you do not think bias is present, explain why and provide examples from your ads to support your point. In a few sentences, summarise the presence of potential biases in your advertisements. Please include the links to your advertisements in your post so your peers can view them.

Examining Advertisements for Bias

In this section of the SCS 100 2-1 Discussion: Objectivity and Bias in the Social Sciences, we will examine advertisements for bias. This section will consider hypothetical examples based on common advertisement scenarios to fit the assignment’s requirements.

Bias from the Advertiser: Identify any biases that might reflect the advertiser’s viewpoint or agenda. Consider the language, images, and values or stereotypes they might promote.
Bias towards the Target Audience: Reflect on how the advertisements might be tailored to appeal to specific biases or preconceptions of the intended audience. Analyse the choice of messaging, visuals, and overall presentation style.

Summary of Potential Biases

Conclude with a concise summary of the observed biases within your four advertisements.
Discuss briefly why these biases might be present and their potential impact on the audience’s perception.

Example

Luxury Car Advertisement

Bias from the Advertiser: The ad showcases the car amidst high-end lifestyle symbols, suggesting that ownership denotes success and elite status. This promotes a stereotype that personal value and social status are tied to material possessions.

Bias towards the Target Audience: It appeals to those aspiring to or maintaining a high socio-economic status, exploiting biases around wealth and success.

Fast Food Campaign

Bias from the Advertiser: The imagery focuses on young, happy individuals enjoying their meal, subtly implying that happiness and social bonding can be enhanced through their product.

Bias towards the Target Audience: Targets busy, younger demographics with preconceptions that convenience equals satisfaction, overlooking nutritional aspects.

Fitness Tracker Commercial

Bias from the Advertiser: Emphasizes cutting-edge technology and health data, suggesting that advanced metrics are essential for personal health improvement.

Bias towards the Target Audience: Appeals to health-conscious individuals, reinforcing the bias that technology is necessary for a healthy lifestyle.

Eco-Friendly Household Products

Bias from the Advertiser: Highlights the use of natural ingredients and environmental benefits, potentially overemphasising the product’s effectiveness and eco-impact to align with the brand’s green image.

Bias towards the Target Audience: Targets environmentally aware consumers, banking on the bias that all-natural means safer and better for the planet.

Summary

Each advertisement exhibits potential biases, from leveraging stereotypes and societal values to appealing to specific consumer preconceptions. The luxury car ad ties success to materialism, the fast-food campaign associates convenience with happiness, the fitness tracker commercial suggests technology is essential for health, and the eco-friendly product ad implies natural ingredients are unequivocally superior. These biases reflect the advertisers’ agendas and target audience expectations, influencing consumer perception and behaviour.

In this week’s resources, you learned about several specific strategies that you can use to manage your biases. How might you apply some of those strategies to processing media, such as the advertisements your peers shared?

Peer Responses

In SCS 100 2-1 Discussion: Objectivity and Bias in the Social Sciences. Engaging with peers through responses enriches learning, strengthens interpersonal connections, and hones communication abilities. This interaction cultivates a nurturing atmosphere crucial for personal and career development, promotes understanding and empathy, and facilitates successful teamwork.

After reviewing your peers’ analyses, discuss specific strategies learned from the module that could help mitigate the biases identified in their advertisements.
Reference strategies include seeking diverse perspectives, questioning underlying assumptions, and recognising emotional responses.
Provide constructive feedback on how your peers could further explore the presence of biases in their selected advertisements.
Keep your feedback focused and encouraging, aiming to enhance their critical analysis rather than critique their observations.

Response 01

“Hi, Jordan. Great analysis of the biases in your advertisements. Reflecting on the strategies we learned, applying critical thinking by questioning the intent behind the ad’s messaging can be insightful. Also, considering diverse interpretations could offer a more rounded view of potential biases. Seeing how biases shape our media consumption and perceptions.”

Closing

This Owlisdom How-To Guide ensures that you engage deeply with the assignment. It will help you apply critical thinking and reflection to understand the role of biases in scientific inquiry and media analysis. Good luck with the SCS 100 2-1 Discussion: Objectivity and Bias in the Social Sciences post.
In the next module of SCS-100, we will explore the 2-2 Activity on Individual Representation in Advertisements.

SCS 100 2-2 Activity: Individual Representation in Advertisements

Instructions of SCS-100 2-2 Activity

2-2 Activity: Individual Representation in Advertisements

Overview

In this module, you learned about bias and objectivity. You will apply that knowledge to the analysis of your advertisements. For this activity, you will focus on making objective observations about the people in your advertisements. This will form the foundation of your project and help you to examine additional elements in your advertisements in future modules.

Please note that you may not change your selection of advertisements after the end of Module Two.

Prompt

Use the provided Module Two Activity Template Word Document to complete this assignment. You should first review the module resource Example Advertisement Analysis Word Document, which will help you distinguish between objective and subjective observations. Next, look closely at your four advertisements and identify the people present in the ads. Then, make objective observations about them and their actions. Finally, discuss the impact of bias on both social scientists and consumers.

You are not required to answer each question below the rubric criteria, but you may use them to better understand the criteria and guide your thinking.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

Describe how individuals are presented in all of your advertisements.
- Your analysis is limited to each person in your ads. You are not examining settings, logos, taglines, mood/tone, or any other element of the ads. Objectively describe the people. What characteristics can you objectively observe using your senses?
- In this step, do not make interpretations or judgments about the individuals.
Describe the actions being taken by the individuals in all of your advertisements.
- Your analysis is still limited to each person in your ads, but now objectively describe what they are doing. What behaviors can you objectively observe using your senses?
- In this step, do not make interpretations or judgments about the individuals’ behaviors.
Explain whether social scientists can be truly objective when conducting research.
- Consider this week’s discussion, the module resources, and your analysis of the people in your advertisements. Do you think social scientists can be genuinely objective when doing research? Explain why or why not. Support your argument with evidence, such as examples or quotes.
Discuss how consumer biases may impact the interpretation of your advertisements.
- How might the beliefs, assumptions, and/or values of various consumers influence how they perceive your four advertisements? How could their own biases lead them to interpret your advertisements differently from you?

Guidelines for Submission

Submit the Module Two Activity Template. While references are not required, if you reference sources in your responses, they should be cited according to APA style. Consult the Shapiro Library APA Style Guide for more information on citations.

Introduction to SCS 100 2-2 Activity

This Owlisdom How-To Guide assists in applying social science methods to analyse advertisements, focusing on bias and objectivity. You will learn to objectively observe the individuals depicted in selected advertisements, an essential skill for understanding broader social implications.

You will be provided a template for the SCS 100 2-2 Activity: Individual Representation in Advertisements. I am using the activity template by SNHU as an example. Fill in the provided sections by following the guidelines to write about individuals’ visual appearance and actions in the four advertisements chosen in the previous module.

Describe how individuals are presented in all of your advertisements.

Your analysis is limited to each person in your ads. You are not examining settings, logos, taglines, mood/tone, or any other ad element. Objectively describe the people. What characteristics can you objectively observe using your senses?

In this step, do not make interpretations or judgments about the individuals.

Objective Analysis of Individuals

Describe Visual Appearance

Focus on the observable characteristics of people in the advertisements.
Describe attributes like clothing, posture, and facial expressions without inferring feelings or intentions.
For example, state, “The individual is wearing a red shirt,” instead of “The individual looks stylish.”

Describe the actions being taken by the individuals in all of your advertisements.

Your analysis is still limited to each person in your ads, but now objectively describe what they are doing. What behaviours can you objectively observe using your senses?

In this step, do not interpret or judge the individuals’ behaviours.

Describe Actions

Clearly describe the actions being performed by the individuals in the advertisements.
Specify actions like “walking,” “eating,” or “talking” without adding subjective interpretations about the nature of these actions.

Explain whether social scientists can be genuinely objective when conducting research. Consider this week’s discussion, the module resources, and your analysis of the people in your advertisements. Do you think social scientists can be genuinely objective when doing research? Explain why or why not. Support your argument with evidence, such as examples or quotes.

Assessing Objectivity in Social Science

Exploring Objectivity in Research

Reflect on the possibility of achieving true objectivity in social science research.
Consider how personal and cultural perspectives might influence researchers’ observations and interpretations.
Support your discussion with examples from your advertisement analysis or scholarly sources.

Discuss how consumer biases may impact the interpretation of your advertisements. How might various consumers’ beliefs, assumptions, and values influence how they perceive your four advertisements? How could their own biases lead them to interpret your advertisements differently from you?

Understanding Consumer Bias

Impact of Bias on Advertisement Interpretation

Discuss how different biases could lead consumers to interpret advertisements differently.
Consider how cultural background, personal experiences, and societal values influence perception.

Closing

This How-To Guide of SCS 100 2-2 Activity: Individual Representation in Advertisements will help systematically address the assignment criteria while developing a nuanced understanding of how advertisements can be analysed through a social science lens. Understanding how to analyse advertisements using social science perspectives objectively enhances students’ analytical skills, allowing them to recognise overt and subtle societal messages in media. The SCS 100 2-2 Activity: Individual Representation in Advertisements improves academic abilities and prepares students to critically engage with media in their everyday lives, understanding the influence of their biases and those of others.

In the next module of SCS-100, we will explore the 3-1 Discussion: Advertisement Analysis Process.

FAQs

Q 1: What is the importance of making objective observations in advertisement analysis?

Answer: SCS 100 explores that objective observations help ensure the analysis is based on factual, observable information, supporting unbiased research and consistent findings across studies.

Q 2: How can personal biases affect the interpretation of advertisements?

Answer: Personal biases can lead to varied interpretations of advertisements, influencing how individuals perceive and react to marketing messages based on their cultural and personal backgrounds. Look at the SCS 100 2-2 Activity: Individual Representation in Advertisements for more detailed information.

SCS 100 3-1 Discussion: Advertisement Analysis Process

Instructions of SCS-100 3-1 Discussion

3-1 Discussion: Advertisement Analysis Process

Each discussion is meant to be a collaborative space for conversation about the course concepts and for learning from your peers’ diverse perspectives. To ensure an interesting discussion, you are encouraged to think creatively about your initial posts and build upon the points made by your peers. It is also important to review the module resources and read the prompts in their entirety before participating in the discussion.

Create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts.

For your initial post, address the following:

In the previous module’s activity, you practiced analyzing advertisements by objectively describing individuals and their actions. Reflect on that process.

What challenges did you encounter when analyzing your advertisements? What did you find difficult?
What steps did you take to analyze your advertisements objectively rather than subjectively?
What social science perspectives or approaches did you find successful or helpful when analyzing your advertisements?

For your response posts, address the following:

What did you learn from your peers that you could apply to the analysis of your own advertisements?
If you tried an approach that might help your peer solve a challenge they posted about, share that suggestion.

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric.

Introduction to SCS 100 3-1 Discussion

SCS 100 3-1 Discussion: Advertisement Analysis Process Guide provides the required information and guidelines to solve the SCS 100 3-1 Discussion: Advertisement Analysis Process post. This post will discuss the advertisement analysis process in the social sciences. I will provide brief and descriptive guidelines to solve this Discussion post and a dummy solution for each section. Let us begin with the steps of the guide.

What challenges did you encounter when analysing your advertisements? What did you find challenging?

Reflecting on the Advertisement Analysis

Start by recounting your experience with analysing advertisements.
Consider the methods you used to describe actions and individuals objectively.

Identifying and Overcoming Challenges

Reflect on any difficulties you faced. Was it hard to ignore personal biases or assumptions about the advertisement’s message or the people in it?
Be specific about what made these aspects challenging, aiming to identify common hurdles such as preconceived notions or emotional reactions.

Example

In analysing advertisements, I struggled to separate my biases and emotional responses from an objective content critique. Specifically, ads that utilised stereotypes or evoked strong social and cultural themes challenged my ability to remain neutral. The difficulty lay in suspending my judgments and preconceived notions about the ad’s intent and the depicted individuals. For example, advertisements that portrayed idealised lifestyles or exaggerated outcomes made it challenging to focus solely on their strategic elements without considering their broader societal implications. To mitigate these challenges, I actively practised identifying my initial reactions and setting them aside to focus on the advertisements’ structural and rhetorical strategies. This process of conscious detachment was crucial in achieving a more balanced and objective analysis.

What steps did you take to analyse your advertisements objectively rather than subjectively?

Objective Analysis Steps

Share the concrete steps you took to ensure your analysis remained objective. Did you use a checklist, compare your reactions to others, or take notes before forming an opinion?
Highlight the importance of distancing personal feelings from the analytical process to maintain objectivity.

Example

I adopted a structured approach to ensure my analysis of advertisements remained objective. First, I created a checklist focusing on the ad’s elements: visuals, language, target audience, and the message’s explicit and implicit components. This helped me dissect the ad systematically rather than relying on initial impressions. I also compared my interpretations with others to expose and understand different perspectives, reducing the risk of personal biases clouding my analysis. Additionally, taking detailed notes before forming any opinions allowed me to separate my observations from my feelings, emphasising the importance of distancing personal reactions to maintain a clear, objective viewpoint on the advertisements’ content and strategies.

What social science perspectives or approaches did you find successful or helpful when analysing your advertisements?

Utilising Social Science Perspectives

Discuss which social science theories or perspectives aided your analysis. Did considering cultural, economic, or psychological theories reveal deeper insights?
Explain how these perspectives helped you understand the advertisements’ broader implications or targeted message.

Example

I found incorporating cultural, economic, and psychological perspectives particularly enlightening when analysing advertisements. Cultural theories allowed me to understand how ads reflect and shape societal norms and values, revealing more profound layers of messaging intended to resonate with specific demographics. Economic theories provided insights into consumer behaviour and the strategies used to appeal to desires for status or wealth. Psychological approaches helped me decode how advertisements manipulate emotions and desires to create needs. These social science perspectives collectively deepened my analysis by looking at what the ads were selling, why they were designed a certain way, and how they aimed to influence the audience’s perceptions and behaviours.

What did you learn from your peers that you could apply to analyse your advertisements?

Share that suggestion if you tried an approach that might help your peer solve a challenge they posted about.

Engaging in Peer Discussions

When responding to peers, mention something new you learned from their analysis that could enhance your own. How did their perspective or method add to your understanding?
If you’ve found a solution to a challenge mentioned by a peer, briefly share your approach. Keep your advice concise and supportive.
Aim for constructive engagement that fosters learning and the exchange of ideas. Recognise the value of diverse perspectives and be open to incorporating them into your analysis.

Response

Hey, Taylor, your use of cultural theory to dissect the ad’s messaging opened my eyes to its more profound societal implications. It made me realise the importance of looking beyond the surface to understand the advertiser’s intent and the potential impact on different audiences. I’ll incorporate this perspective in future analyses. Thanks for the insight!

Closing

This Owlisdom guide of SCS 100 3-1 Discussion: Advertisement Analysis Process is structured to help you effectively navigate through analysing advertisements. I hope collaborative discussion and reflection help you enhance your learning experience. Good luck!

In the next module of SCS-100, we will explore the 3-2 Activity on Group and Cultural Representation.

SCS 100 3-2 Activity: Group and Cultural Representation

Instructions of SCS-100 3-2 Activity

3-2 Activity: Group and Cultural Representation

Overview

In this module, you learned about identity, groups, culture, prejudice, and stereotypes. You will apply that knowledge to the analysis of your advertisements. For this activity, you will focus on making objective observations about the groups and cultures in your advertisements.

Prompt

Use the provided Module Three Activity Template Word Document to complete this assignment. First, look closely at your four advertisements and identify the groups and/or cultures present in the ads. Then, make objective observations about them. Finally, reflect on how your beliefs, assumptions, and/or values may have impacted your analysis.

You are not required to answer each question below the rubric criteria, but you may use them to better understand the criteria and guide your thinking.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

Describe how groups and/or cultures are presented in all your advertisements.
- Your analysis is limited to the people in your ads who form groups and/or represent various cultures. Remember, culture is not limited to race and ethnicity. You are not examining settings, logos, taglines, mood/tone, or any other element of the ads. Objectively describe the groups and/or cultures. What characteristics can you objectively observe using your senses?
- In this step, do not make interpretations or judgments about the groups and/or cultures.
Describe the representation of stereotypes in all your advertisements.
- Your analysis is still limited to groups and cultures, but now examine your ads for the presence of stereotypes. You should refer to specific details in the ads that communicate a stereotype. If you do not believe stereotypes are present, you must explain why and provide examples from your ads to support your point.
Discuss how your beliefs, assumptions, and/or values may have influenced how you analyzed your advertisements.
- As you’ve learned, your subjective perceptions of the social world are influenced by your attitudes and biases. Check in with yourself. Did you make any assumptions about the groups and/or cultures in your ads? Did past experiences influence how you interpreted the presence or absence of stereotypes?

Guidelines for Submission

Submit the Module Three Activity Template. While references are not required, if you reference sources in your responses, they should be cited according to APA style. Consult the Shapiro Library APA Style Guide for more information on citations.

Introduction to SCS 100 3-2 Activity

This Owlisdom How-To Guide of SCS 100 3-2 Activity: Group and Cultural Representation is designed to help apply social science perspectives to analyse advertisements, focusing on how groups and cultures are represented. Using objective analysis techniques, the goal is to foster an understanding of identity, groups, culture, prejudice, and stereotypes within media.

You will receive the activity template, a crucial tool for this analysis. I am using the SNHU template as an example. Fill out the “Module Three Activity Template” by following these guidelines to critically analyse the chosen advertisements, focusing on the representation of groups and cultures, the presence of stereotypes, and the influence of personal biases.

Describe how groups and cultures are presented in all your advertisements. Your analysis is limited to those in your ads who form groups representing various cultures. Remember, culture is not limited to race and ethnicity. You are not examining settings, logos, taglines, mood/tone, or other ad elements. Objectively describe the groups and cultures. What characteristics can you objectively observe using your senses? In this step, do not make interpretations or judgments about the groups and cultures.

Analysis of Groups and Cultures

Identification of Groups and Cultures

Review the provided advertisements and note any visible groups or cultures.
Remember, cultures can encompass more than race and ethnicity, including age, socio-economic status, etc.

Objective Description of Groups and Cultures

Describe the observed groups or cultures without inferring motivations or feelings.
Focus on observable attributes such as clothing, language, activities, or interactions.
For example, “The group consists of young adults engaging in outdoor activities.”

Describe the representation of stereotypes in all your advertisements. Your analysis is still limited to groups and cultures, but now examine your ads for the presence of stereotypes. It would be best if you referred to specific details in the advertisements that communicate a stereotype. If you do not believe stereotypes exist, explain why and provide examples from your ads to support your point.

Analysis of Stereotypes

Identification and Description of Stereotypes

Examine the advertisements for any stereotypes that may be portrayed.
Document specifics, such as how a particular culture or group is represented through actions or attire.
If no stereotypes are observed, explain why, using specific examples from the ads to support your assessment.

Discuss how your beliefs, assumptions, and values may have influenced how you analysed your advertisements. As you’ve learned, your subjective perceptions of the social world are influenced by your attitudes and biases. Check in with yourself. Did you make any assumptions about the groups and cultures in your ads? Did past experiences influence how you interpreted the presence or absence of stereotypes?

Reflection on Personal Bias

Assessing the Influence of Beliefs and Assumptions

Reflect on how your beliefs, assumptions, and values might have influenced your analysis.
Consider if personal experiences or societal influences might have shaped your perceptions of the ads.
Acknowledge any biases that could have affected your objectivity.

Closing

Completing this assignment of SCS 100 3-2 Activity: Group and Cultural Representation will enhance students’ ability to analyse media representations of groups and cultures objectively. This skill is crucial for developing a deeper understanding of societal influences and biases in advertising. Students can cultivate a more balanced and informed approach to media analysis by reflecting on personal biases.
In the next module of SCS-100, we will explore the 4-1 Discussion: Social Science Developments.

FAQs

Q 1: How can advertisements reflect cultural diversity?

Answer: SCS 100 3-2 Activity: Group and Cultural Representation discusses that advertisements can reflect cultural diversity by showcasing individuals from varied backgrounds engaging in universally appealing activities, promoting inclusivity and a broader appeal.

Q 2: Why is it essential to identify stereotypes in advertisements?

Answer: Identifying stereotypes in advertisements is crucial as it helps highlight and challenge potentially harmful or oversimplified portrayals that can influence societal perceptions and behaviours. Go to SCS 100 3-2 Activity: Group and Cultural Representation for more details.

SCS 100 4-1 Discussion: Social Science Developments

Instructions of SCS-100 4-1 Discussion

4-1 Discussion: Social Science Developments

Create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts.

For your initial post, address the following:

Identify a major development that occurred in one perspective of the social sciences that affected how your advertisements might be studied. This could be an event, technological advancement, discovery, rejection/acceptance of a theory, or paradigm shift. You may choose a development from the provided list of “Major Developments in the Social Sciences” in the module resources. Or you may conduct your own research to identify a different development that interests you.
Provide a summary of the social science development you selected (no more than three sentences).
Explain how your chosen development might have affected how your advertisements are studied.

For your response posts, address the following:

Why might the developments your peers chose matter not only to the social sciences but to us as individuals and a society?

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric.

Introduction to SCS 100 4-1 Discussion

This Owlisdom How-To Guide provides the required information and guidelines to solve the SCS 100 4-1 Discussion: Social Science Developments post. This post will discuss the development of social science. I will give brief and descriptive guidelines to solve this Discussion post and a dummy solution for each section. Let us begin with the steps of the guide.

Identify a major development that occurred in one social science perspective that affected how your advertisements might be studied. This could be an event, technological advancement, discovery, rejection/acceptance of a theory, or paradigm shift. You may choose a development from the provided “Major Developments in the Social Sciences” list in the module resources. You may also research to identify a different development that interests you.

Selecting a Development

To start the SCS 100 4-1 Discussion: Social Science Developments, we will briefly discuss a significant development that interests us.

Choose a significant development in the social sciences, such as a major event, technological advancement, discovery, or a shift in theoretical perspective.
Utilize the module resources or research to find a development that interests you.

Example

The advent of big data analytics represents a transformative leap in social science methodologies, profoundly reshaping the study of advertisements. Researchers can uncover nuanced insights into advertising effectiveness and audience engagement by harnessing vast datasets to analyze consumer behavior and preferences. This technological advancement facilitates a more empirical approach to understanding the societal and psychological impacts of advertising, marking a significant departure from traditional, theory-driven analyses. Consequently, it empowers advertisers with evidence-based strategies, optimizing the reach and resonance of their campaigns.

Briefly summarize your selected social science development (no more than three sentences).

Summarizing the Development

Provide a concise summary of the selected development in no more than three sentences.
Focus on explaining the development, when it occurred, and the main social science field it impacts.

Example

Integrating Big Data analytics into social sciences, particularly over the last two decades, is a pivotal development (Aria et al., 2020). It significantly influences the field of consumer psychology and marketing by offering deep, actionable insights into consumer behavior and advertising effectiveness. This technological progression enables a data-driven approach, allowing for the empirical examination of trends, preferences, and responses at an unprecedented scale.

Explain how your chosen development might have affected how your advertisements are studied.

Analyzing the Impact of Advertisements

Now, in SCS 100 4-1 Discussion: Social Science Developments. We will analyze the impact of advertising on the chosen development.

Discuss how your chosen development could influence how advertisements are studied.
Consider changes in analysis methods, perspectives on consumer behavior, or understanding of the advertisement’s societal role.
Keep your explanation clear and directly linked to your chosen development.

Example

Big Data analytics revolutionizes the study of advertisements by shifting from intuition-based to data-driven strategies. This development enables the granular analysis of consumer engagement and behavior patterns, facilitating a nuanced understanding of how different demographics interact with advertisements. Consequently, it enhances the precision of targeting strategies and the evaluation of advertising campaigns, fostering a more efficient allocation of marketing resources and a deeper comprehension of advertisements’ societal impacts.

Why might the developments your peers chose matter to the social sciences and us as individuals and as a society?

Responding to Peers

Responding to peers is one of the vital parts of the SCS 100 4-1 Discussion: Social Science Developments posts. We need to provide at least two peer responses. I will provide one example post. You can write your peer responses by keeping the following points in mind.

When replying to your classmates, briefly discuss why their chosen developments are significant beyond academic interest.
Consider the implications for individuals and society.
Your response should connect the development to broader societal or personal impacts in a supportive and insightful manner.

Response

Hi Jordan, the development you chose is fascinating because it underscores how societal changes can deeply influence consumer behavior and marketing strategies. It’s a reminder that the social sciences and the study of advertisements are not just academic exercises but are deeply connected to our everyday lives and the world around us. This perspective can help us become more critical consumers and aware members of society.

Closing

This How-To Guide of SCS 100 4-1 Discussion: Social Science Developments aims to help you engage thoughtfully with the discussion topic, encouraging you to connect social science developments and the practical analysis of advertisements while fostering meaningful exchanges with your peers.
In the next module of SCS-100, we will explore the 4-2 Activity: Social Science Questions.

Reference

Aria, M., Misuraca, M., & Spano, M. (2020). Mapping the evolution of social research and data science over 30 years of social indicators research. Social Indicators Research, 149, 803–831.

SCS 100 4-2 Activity: Social Science Questions

Instructions of SCS-100 4-2

4-2 Activity: Social Science Questions

Overview

All social science research starts with a question that indicates the human behavior being studied. In this activity, you will draft a research question related to the four advertisements you chose earlier in the course. To do this, you will need to dig deeper into what each advertisement is communicating. Are there any deeper or unspoken meanings besides the obvious goal of selling a product or service?

Prompt

Use the provided Module Four Activity Template Word Document to complete this activity. Revisit your previous assignments to review how individuals, groups, cultures, and stereotypes are presented in your four advertisements. Make sure to also consult the feedback your instructor provided. Based on this information, identify the underlying or socially significant messages communicated by your four advertisements. You will use your analysis to write a social science research question. Finally, explain how you used a social science perspective to help create your research question.

You are not required to answer each question below the rubric criteria, but you may use them to better understand the criteria and guide your thinking.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

Describe the underlying meanings or socially significant messages each of your advertisements communicates.
- In previous activities, you were asked to make objective observations. You can now use the knowledge gained from the course to interpret the social significance of your ads.
- What messages about culture, relationships, biases, or social norms are being communicated? Go beyond the surface of the ad and look for deeper meanings.
Write a research question based on a social science perspective and related to at least one of your advertisements.
- What patterns or themes did you notice when analyzing your ads? What elements popped out and made you curious? Consider what the ads say about individuals, groups, institutions, or society. If you were to design a sociological, psychological, or anthropological study of your ads, what question would you want to answer?
- Your research question only needs to be related to one of your four advertisements. But if you find a common trend in your ads, you may tie your research question to more than one.
- It is expected that you will revise your research question, but you will need to finalize it by the end of the next module.
Describe how you used a social science perspective to create your research question.
- Each branch of the social sciences (sociology, psychology, anthropology, political science, and economics) is interested in different aspects of human behavior. Depending on the perspective you choose, how might a sociologist, psychologist, or anthropologist look at your ads? What would they focus on? What types of questions would they want to answer?

Guidelines for Submission

Submit the Module Four Activity Template. While references are not required, if you reference sources in your responses, they should be cited according to APA style. Consult the Shapiro Library APA Style Guide for more information on citations.

Introduction to SCS 100 4-2 Activity

This Owlisdom How-To Guide is crafted to assist students in deeply analyzing advertisements through a social science lens. The SCS 100 4-2 Activity: Social Science Questions involves identifying subtle societal messages within advertisements and formulating research questions that could guide further sociological, psychological, or anthropological inquiry.

Note that you will receive the activity template, a crucial tool for this SCS 100 4-2 Activity: Social Science Questions. I am using the SNHU template as an example. Fill out the “Module Four Activity Template” by following these guidelines to critically analyze the chosen advertisements, focusing on the representation of groups and cultures, the presence of stereotypes, and the influence of personal biases.

Describe the underlying meanings or socially significant messages each of your advertisements communicates. In previous activities, you were asked to make objective observations. You can now use the knowledge gained from the course to interpret the social significance of your ads. What messages about culture, relationships, biases, or social norms are being communicated? Go beyond the surface of the ad and look for deeper meanings.

Analyzing Underlying Meanings in Advertisements

Review the advertisements and note any repeated themes or depicted social roles.
Focus on identifying messages about cultural values, social norms, or potential biases. Reflect on how these messages might influence societal perceptions or behaviors.

Write a research question based on a social science perspective and related to at least one of your What patterns or themes did you notice when analyzing your ads? What elements popped out and made you curious? Consider what the ads say about individuals, groups, institutions, or society. If you were to design a sociological, psychological, or anthropological study of your ads, what question would you want to answer? Your research question must only be related to one of your four advertisements. However, if you find a common trend in your ads, you may tie your research question to more than one. You are expected to revise your research question, but you must finalize it by the end of the next module.

Formulating a Research Question

Based on your analysis, identify one or more patterns that intrigue you.
Develop a research question that seeks to explore these observations further.
For instance, consider how an advertisement’s portrayal of family roles might reflect broader societal expectations.

Describe how you used a social science perspective to create your research question. Each branch of the social sciences (sociology, psychology, anthropology, political science, and economics) is interested in different aspects of human behavior. Depending on the perspective you choose, how might a sociologist, psychologist, or anthropologist look at your ads? What would they focus on? What types of questions would they want to answer?

Applying Social Science Perspectives

Choose a specific social science perspective—such as sociological, psychological, or anthropological—to frame your research question.
Consider what a scholar from each discipline might focus on in your chosen advertisement.
Explain how this perspective helps deepen the understanding of the ad’s impact on society.

Closing

Completing the SCS 100 4-2 Activity: Social Science Questions will deepen your understanding of advertisements’ societal role and enhance your critical thinking and theoretical application skills. This How-To guide encourages you to look beyond the surface to grasp the broader implications of media on social norms and values.
In the next module of SCS-100, we will explore the 5-1 Discussion: Ethics in Advertising and Media.

FAQs

Q 1: What is the importance of identifying underlying messages in advertisements?

Answer: The SCS 100 4-2 Activity: Social Science Questions helps identify underlying messages and understand how ads influence societal norms and values, revealing the more profound impact of marketing beyond just selling products.

Q 2: How does a social science perspective enhance advertisement analysis?

Answer: A social science perspective allows for a deeper analysis of ads, focusing on cultural, psychological, and social dynamics. This helps uncover broader societal implications and influences. For more information, go to the SCS 100 4-2 Activity: Social Science Questions.

SCS 100 5-1 Discussion: Ethics in Advertising and Media

Instructions of SCS-100 5-1 Discussion

5-1 Discussion: Ethics in Advertising and Media

Discussing challenges that face our world often means investigating opinions and ideas different from your own. Remember to remain thoughtful and respectful towards your peers and instructor in your discussion post and replies.

Create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts.

For your initial post, address the following:

Choose a case study from the “Ethics Case Studies” resource, which is located in the module resources section. Share a link to your chosen case study so your peers and instructor can view it.
Briefly describe the ethical issue, challenge, or dilemma in the case study.
Each case study presents a question. Answer the question and support your response with details from the case and/or course resources.

For your response posts, address the following:

Select two peers and review their case study analysis. What other perspectives might you offer regarding the case study? How might you interpret the case in another way or answer the question differently?
Discuss whether we should hold advertisers, journalists, and social scientists to different ethical standards. For example, should social scientists follow stricter ethical guidelines than advertisers?

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric

Introduction to SCS 100 5-1 Discussion

This Owlisdom How-To Guide is designed to assist students in effectively analyzing and discussing ethics case studies, particularly in advertising, journalism, and social sciences. The SCS 100 5-1 Discussion: Ethics in Advertising and Media identifies ethical dilemmas and articulates reasoned arguments in response to these challenges.

Note that I am choosing the Naming Victims of Sex Crimes. (SPJ, n.d.) From the Ethics Case Study.

Choose a case study from the “Ethics Case Studies” resource in the module resources section. Please share a link to your chosen case study so your peers and instructor can view it.

Selecting a Case Study

To start the SCS 100 5-1 Discussion: Ethics in Advertising and Media, we first must choose a case study from Ethics Case Studies.

Explore the “Ethics Case Studies” resource linked above.
Select a case that resonates with your interests or field of study.
Share the specific case study link in your assignment submission to ensure accessibility for peers and instructors.

Example

For my assignment, I have selected a case from the Naming Victims of Sex Crimes. (SPJ, n.d.). This case resonates with my interest in media ethics, particularly how ethical considerations in journalism evolve with societal changes. The study prompts reflection on the evolving definition of liberal arts, highlighting its expansion beyond classical studies to include modern interdisciplinary approaches influenced by increased societal awareness and technological integration.

Briefly describe the case study’s ethical issue, challenge, or dilemma.

Describing the Ethical Issue

This section of SCS 100 5-1 Discussion: Ethics in Advertising and Media will briefly discuss the ethical issues mentioned in the selected case study.

Summarize the central ethical dilemma presented in the case study.
Keep your description concise yet thorough enough to capture the essence of the ethical issues involved.

Example

The ethical dilemma in the case study revolves around the journalist’s responsibility to maintain objectivity and balance when reporting on politically sensitive issues. The core issue is whether journalists should prioritize delivering balanced viewpoints or give more weight to expert opinions that might lean towards one side of the debate (Merkley, 2020). This challenge reflects the broader ethical concern in journalism about achieving true neutrality, especially in divisive topics yet significant to public understanding. As the liberal arts field broadens to encompass a broader range of disciplines and perspectives, the journalist’s role evolves, requiring a deeper understanding of diverse viewpoints and the impact of their reporting on public discourse and perception (Whipple, 2023).

Each case study presents a question. Answer the question and support your response with details from the case and course resources. Question: Should children who are thought to be the victims of sexual abuse ever be named in the media? What should be done about the continued use of the names of kidnap victims who are later found to be sexual assault victims? Should the use of their names be discontinued at that point?

Answering Case Study Questions

Next, in SCS 100 5-1 Discussion: Ethics in Advertising and Media. We will answer the question given in the selected case study.

Read the question at the end of the case study carefully.
Formulate your answer based on evidence from the case and relevant course resources.
Support your arguments with clear examples and references.

Example

Children who are victims of sexual abuse should not be named in the media to protect their privacy and prevent further trauma. The Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics advises avoiding identifying juvenile victims of sex crimes (Döring & Walter, 2020). Similarly, once kidnap victims are found to be sexual assault victims, the use of their names should be discontinued to respect their dignity and aid in their recovery. This approach aligns with evolving ethical standards prioritizing individuals’ well-being and rights, reflecting a more profound understanding within the liberal arts of the societal implications of information dissemination and the media’s role in shaping public perception and individual lives.

Select two peers and review their case study analysis. What other perspectives might you offer regarding the case study? How might you interpret the case in another way or answer the question differently? Discuss whether we should hold advertisers, journalists, and social scientists to different ethical standards. For example, should social scientists follow stricter ethical guidelines than advertisers?

Peer Responses

Responding to peers is one of the vital parts of the SCS 100 5-1 Discussion: Ethics in Advertising and Media posts. We need to provide at least two peer responses. I will provide one example post. You can write your peer responses by keeping the following points in mind.

Review the analyses provided by two of your peers.
Offer alternative perspectives or interpretations that might differ from their analyses.
Suggest other ways the ethical question could be answered.

Response 01

Excellent analysis of the ethical dilemma in your chosen case study. While I agree with most of your points, considering the broader societal impact might offer another layer of insight. Also, regarding ethical standards, I think that while all professions should maintain high moral standards, social scientists have a particular responsibility, given their direct influence on human subjects and societal norms.

Closing

The SCS 100 5-1 Discussion: Ethics in Advertising and Media enhances your ability to critically analyze ethical dilemmas in professional contexts. This How-To Guide helps improve your ethical reasoning skills and prepares you to engage thoughtfully in discussions about professional conduct across various fields. In the next module of SCS-100, we will explore the 5-2 Activity: Finalizing Your Research Question.

References

Döring, N., & Walter, R. (2020). Media Coverage of Child Sexual Abuse: A Framework of Issue-Specific Quality Criteria. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 29(4), 393–412. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2019.1675841

Merkley, E. (2020). Are Experts (News)Worthy? Balance, Conflict, and Mass Media Coverage of Expert Consensus. Political Communication, 37(4), 530–549. https://doi.org/10.1080/10584609.2020.1713269

SPJ. (n.d.). Ethics Case Studies—Society of Professional Journalists. Retrieved April 17, 2024, from https://www.spj.org/ecs11.asp

Whipple, K. (2023). Contextualizing the Art and the Artist: How U.S. Arts and Culture Journalists Perceive the Impact of Cancel Culture Practices and Discourses. Journalism Practice, 0(0), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512786.2023.2180653

SCS 100 5-2 Activity: Finalizing Your Research Question

Instructions of SCS 100 5-2

Overview

Developing research questions is an iterative process, which means that the questions are continuously changing as new information is uncovered and new thoughts occur. Since we are human, our beliefs, assumptions, and values may influence the questions we ask about human behavior. In addition, examining information from a social science perspective can influence what we focus on.

Prompt

Use the Module Five Activity Template Word Document to complete this activity. First, review your instructor’s feedback on the research question you wrote in the previous module. Use that information and any new thoughts you have had about your advertisements to revise your research question. Revising may involve rewriting your research question completely. Or you may need to narrow your focus, improve the clarity of the question, or more sufficiently connect it to a social science perspective.

You are not required to answer each question below the rubric criteria, but may use them to better understand the criteria and guide your thinking.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

Revise your research question that addresses at least one of your chosen advertisements.
- Consult the feedback from your instructor and additional analysis of your advertisements to revise your research question and make it stronger. For example, you may need to narrow your focus further, clarify language, or connect your topic to a social science perspective.
Explain how social science perspectives could be used to process information.
- Choose a perspective that is different from the one you discussed in the previous module (psychological, sociological, anthropological, economic, or political). How might looking at information you encounter daily from that perspective deepen your understanding of the content? How could you apply that perspective to things like sponsored posts on social media, study results reported in the news, claims made by politicians, or the representation of groups and cultures in television shows?
Describe how the answer to your research question might impact others.
- If you were to conduct a social science study to answer your research question, who might be particularly interested in hearing about your results? Which groups of people might be most affected by your research, and how might they be impacted? What branch of the social sciences might be most interested in your results?

Guidelines for Submission

Submit the Module Five Activity Template. While references are not required, if you reference sources in your responses, they should be cited according to APA style. Consult the Shapiro Library APA Style Guide for more information on citations.

Introduction to SCS 100 5-2 Activity

This Owlisdom How-To Guide aims to assist students in refining their research questions based on instructor feedback and additional insights from analysing advertisements. By integrating social science perspectives, you can enhance the depth and relevance of their inquiries into human behaviour as influenced by media.

Note that you will be provided with the activity template for the SCS 100 5-2 Activity: Finalizing Your Research Question. I will be using the template provided by SNHU as an example for this guide.

Revise your research question to address at least one of your chosen advertisements.

Consult the feedback from your instructor and provide additional analysis of your advertisements to revise and strengthen your research question. For example, you may need to narrow your focus, clarify language, or connect your topic to a social science perspective.

Revising Your Research Question

To start the SCS 100 5-2 Activity: Finalizing Your Research Question, we will revise the research question we provided in the previous module.

Feedback Integration

Review the feedback provided by your instructor on your initial research question.
Note any suggestions for narrowing your focus, clarifying your language, or aligning more closely with social science methodologies.

Refinement of the Research Question

Reflect on any new insights gained from further analysis of your advertisements.
Consider how these insights could lead to a more precise or impactful question.
Ensure your revised question is clear, concise, and well-connected to a social science perspective.

Utilising Social Science Perspectives

Selecting a New Perspective

Choose a different social science perspective than the one previously used—such as economic or political science.
This shift should bring new dimensions to your analysis and highlight different aspects of human behaviour.

Applying the Perspective to Daily Information

Explain how this new perspective can deepen your understanding of everyday interactions, such as media consumption or social interactions.
Discuss how this view might alter your perception of the advertisements you study.

Impact of Research Findings

For this section of SCS 100 5-2 Activity: Finalizing Your Research Question, we will discuss the impact of the research findings.

Consider who would be most interested in the results of your study.
Identify potential implications for specific groups, such as consumers, media professionals, or policymakers.
Describe how these findings could influence public policy, consumer behaviour, or media practices.

Closing

SCS 100 5-2 Activity: Finalizing Your Research Question How-To Guide helps you refine your research question with a fresh social science perspective, enhancing your study’s academic rigour and increasing its relevance to contemporary issues. This iterative process is crucial for developing a nuanced understanding of complex social phenomena and making meaningful contributions to discussions on media influence and human behaviour.
In the next module of SCS-100, we will explore the 6-1 Discussion on Social Sciences in the Real World.

SCS 100 6-1 Discussion: Social Sciences in the Real World

Instructions of SCS-100 6-1 Discussion

Discussion

Create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts.

For your initial post, address the following:

Think about a challenge, opportunity, event, or issue that affects your community. How might knowing the social sciences affect how you understand that issue or how you act?
Discuss the responsibility (if any) of citizens to be informed about the social sciences. Consider how a population with a basic understanding of the social sciences could influence how current global challenges or questions are approached.

For your response posts, address the following:

What perspectives did your peers offer that you had not considered previously regarding the value of a population knowing the social sciences?
Share other ways being more informed about the social sciences could help your peers understand or act on the community issue they identified.

Remember, this assignment is graded on the quality of your initial post and at least two response posts to your classmates. You are not required to do research for this discussion. If you do refer to sources, be sure to include an attribution (or citation) to the resource.

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric

Introduction to SCS 100 6-1 Discussion

This Owlisdom How-To Guide aids you with the SCS 100 6-1 Discussion: Social Sciences in the Real World post. This discussion revolves around your understanding of social sciences in the real world. I will provide you with a dummy discussion solution.

Discussing challenges that face our world often means investigating opinions and ideas different from yours.

Identifying a Community Issue

To start the SCS 100 6-1 Discussion: Social Sciences in the Real World, we will evaluate the daily community issues and choose one for this discussion post.

Select an Issue: Choose a challenge, opportunity, event, or issue that resonates with your community. This should be something you care about or find significant.

Example

The digital divide presents a significant challenge within our community, exacerbating educational and economic disparities among its members. This issue, rooted in unequal access to technology and the internet, critically impacts students’ and workers’ abilities to pursue educational opportunities and effectively engage in the modern economy. Addressing this divide is essential for fostering equitable growth and ensuring all community members can participate fully in today’s increasingly digital world.

Think about a challenge, opportunity, event, or issue that affects your community. How might knowing the social sciences affect how you understand that issue or how you act?

The Impact of Social Sciences Knowledge

The next section of the SCS 100 6-1 Discussion, Social Sciences in the Real World, analyses the impact of social sciences knowledge.

Analyse Through Social Sciences: Reflect on how knowledge of the social sciences could change your understanding or approach to the issue.
Consider aspects like sociology, psychology, economics, and political science. How do these disciplines provide insight into the issue?

Example

Understanding the digital divide through the lens of the social sciences enriches our grasp of its multifaceted nature. Sociology reveals how societal structures perpetuate inequalities, suggesting targeted interventions. Psychology underscores the impact of digital exclusion on self-efficacy and motivation, guiding supportive measures. Economics highlights the divide’s effect on workforce development and economic disparity, advocating for inclusive growth strategies. Political science emphasises the role of policy in bridging gaps, urging civic engagement and advocacy. This holistic approach, grounded in social sciences, informs our comprehension and actions toward creating a more digitally inclusive community.

Discuss citizens’ responsibility (if any) to be informed about the social sciences. Consider how a population with a basic understanding of the social sciences could influence how current global challenges or questions are approached.

The Responsibility of Being Informed

For this section of SCS 100 6-1 Discussion: Social Sciences in the Real World, we will evaluate the responsibility of citizens to be informed of the social science challenges.

Discuss Civic Responsibility: Contemplate and articulate the importance of citizens knowing about the social sciences.
How could a community equipped with such knowledge better navigate or influence the resolution of global challenges?

Example

Citizens are responsible for being versed in social sciences, as this knowledge equips them to engage with societal issues and foster informed public discourse critically. Understanding sociology, psychology, economics, and political science enables individuals to comprehend the complexities of global challenges, cultivating empathy and collaborative problem-solving. Communities well-versed in social sciences are better positioned to advocate for effective policies, participate in democratic processes, and contribute to sustainable solutions, thus actively addressing and resolving global challenges.

What perspectives did your peers offer that you had not previously considered regarding the value of a population with knowledge of the social sciences?

Sharing other ways to be more informed about the social sciences could help your peers understand or act on the community issue they identified.

Peer Responses

Responding to peers is one of the vital parts of the SCS 100 6-1 Discussion: Social Sciences in the Real World posts. We need to provide at least two peer responses. I will provide one example post. You can write your peer responses by keeping the following points in mind.

Choose posts that offer unique insights or different challenges from your own. Highlight the new perspectives or ideas you gained from their analysis.
Share how a deeper understanding of social sciences could aid in addressing the issue your peer has identified. Focus on offering constructive, brief feedback that builds upon their original post.

Response 1

Your insight into the role of social sciences in grappling with environmental sustainability issues opened up a new avenue of thought for me. I see how incorporating sociological and economic perspectives can lead to more tailored and impactful environmental policies within our communities. This approach deepens our collective understanding and highlights the importance of community-specific strategies in promoting sustainability. It’s a reminder that a thorough grasp of environmental sociology could shed light on the underlying socio-economic factors driving environmental behaviour, paving the way for more inclusive and effective solutions.

Closing

By following the SCS 100 6-1 Discussion: Social Sciences in the Real World How-To Guide, you will be equipped to thoughtfully engage with your peers on the importance of social sciences in understanding and addressing community issues, fostering a culture of informed and active citizenship. In the next module of SCS-100, we will explore the 6-2 Assignment on Project Preparation.

SCS 100 6-2 ASSIGNMENT: Project Preparation

Instructions for SCS 100 6-2 Assignment

Overview

Advertisements can tell you a lot more than just what products to buy. If you analyze them using social science questions and approaches, they can also tell you a lot about individuals, groups, cultural identity, and society. Biases, beliefs, and values of the companies selling the products and the people they are marketed to can also be found. Sometimes these reflections can be positive, sometimes negative. Using social science approaches can help you analyze the ads you see and make sense of the large amounts of information you are presented with every day.

Directions

Determine how individuals and groups are represented in the advertisements.
1. What audiences are the advertisements trying to reach?
2. What unspoken or underlying messages do you think the ads might be sending?
Identify stereotyped group behavior in the advertisements.
1. What are the advertisements saying about the behavior of the groups represented in them?
2. What underlying messages do the advertisements send about the group behaviors in them and the audiences they assume will be consuming the products?
Determine how different cultures are represented in the advertisements.
1. How do the ads represent culture? Are any stereotypes being used?
2. What unspoken or underlying messages do you think the ads might be sending about culture?
Discuss how ethical issues in the social sciences impact advertising. Look beyond the economic effects of advertisements and consider the following questions to help address this prompt:
1. Do the ads confirm biases? Do they rely on stereotypes? Do they support social change? Do they stay neutral on social or political movements? Should they get involved in social or political movements?
2. Why might it be important for advertisers and companies in a diverse world to be as inclusive and unbiased as possible?

Part Two: Social Science Questions
The answers that come from an analysis can often lead to more questions. In this section, you will use the information you found from your advertisement analyses to ask a broader social science question. You do not need to answer the question, but you do need to talk about how you might study your advertisements using the skills and knowledge you’ve gained in this course.

Propose a finalized social science research question based on your analysis of the advertisements you chose.
1. Think beyond the minor details from your analysis and consider what the ads say about individuals, groups, institutions, or society.
2. What is the meaning or significance of the ads? For example, you might be interested in ethical issues related to advertising. You might want to explore how current events influence the content of ads. Or maybe you would like to ask how common themes in ads could impact an audience’s self-concept.
Discuss how you used a social science perspective to develop your research question.
1. Explain how you used social science concepts, perspectives, or approaches to write your research question.
Explain one major development in the social sciences that may have influenced your research question.
1. The major development could include an important event, a discovery, the rejection of an old theory, the acceptance of a new theory, or a change in culture that affected the field.
2. How might these changes in thinking and research have affected the conclusions drawn about your advertisements and the questions asked about them?

Describe how your assumptions, beliefs, and/or values influenced the way you analyzed your advertisements.
1. Consider how your perceptions of the social world may have influenced the way you viewed your advertisements. Did/they cause you to make assumptions about the people in the ads? Did you focus on certain advertisements or parts of advertisements as a result? How might someone with a different set of beliefs view your advertisements?
Discuss how social science perspectives or approaches could be used to process information.
1. Focus on the social science perspectives or approaches you feel would be the most beneficial for analyzing the information you are presented with every day.
2. For example, would analyzing ads on social media from a political science perspective help you better understand a company’s political stance on issues? What perspective would help you determine if there was a possible link between the length of a commercial and its intended audience? Would examining an ad targeted at caregivers from a sociological perspective help you understand the meaning of family in various cultures?
Explain how looking at the world from social science perspectives may impact your personal life.
1. How might using social science skills help you process and understand the information you use in your life?
Explain how examining issues from social science perspectives may affect your community relationships.
1. Think about challenges or opportunities in your community. How might applying social science perspectives to those issues benefit your community?
Discuss how being more informed about the social sciences may help you understand contemporary global issues.
1. Consider how understanding the ways social scientists examine human behaviors could influence the way you approach global challenges and questions.

Introduction to SCS 100 6-2 Assignment

This Owlisdom How-To Guide provides a systematic approach to analysing advertisements through the lens of social science. Advertisements are not just marketing tools but also mirrors of societal values, biases, and cultural identities. By dissecting these ads, you can gain insights into how companies communicate with their audiences and the broader societal implications of these communications.

You are instructed to use four advertisements to solve your course project. I will use two to provide a dummy SCS 100 6-2 ASSIGNMENT: Project Preparation solution. The first ad I will use is Promote Iceland: Let It Out! (from Product/Service: Health and Beauty section) and one Toyota: 2020 Toyota Big Game Commercial: Ft Cobie Smulders (Product/Service: Cars and Transportation section).

In this module, we will solve this project in detail. As mentioned in the SCS 100 1-3 Assignment, we will only outline the final project and briefly describe what we will write for it. Here, we will provide a detailed explanation of the SCS 100 6-2 ASSIGNMENT: Project Preparation.

In this section, you will analyse the four advertisements you selected earlier in the course. Use social science approaches to gather specific information from them. As you conduct your analyses, consider what these advertisements say about the companies selling the products, the organisations making the ads, the people purchasing the products, and society.

Part One: Advertisement Analysis

To start the SCS 100 6-2 ASSIGNMENT: Project Preparation, we will first analyse our chosen advertisements and discuss their perspectives.

1. Determine how individuals and groups are represented in the advertisements.

A. What audiences are the advertisements trying to reach?

B. What unspoken or underlying messages do you think the ads might be sending?

Representation of Individuals and Groups

Examine the visual and textual elements in the ads to identify which audiences are targeted.
Assess the portrayal of these individuals—are they shown in stereotypical roles or empowered positions?
Note any implicit messages about values or ideologies.

2. Identify stereotyped group behaviour in the advertisements.

A. What do the advertisements say about the behaviour of the groups represented?

B. What underlying messages do the advertisements send about the group behaviours in them and the audiences they assume will be consuming the products?

Stereotyped Group Behavior

Identify any group behaviours that are exaggerated or simplified.
Consider how these portrayals could affect the viewer’s perception of these groups.
Analyse whether these stereotypes serve a specific narrative or marketing goal.

3. Determine how different cultures are represented in the advertisements.

A. How do the ads represent culture? Are any stereotypes being used?

B. What unspoken or underlying messages might the ads send about culture?

Cultural Representation

Evaluate how different cultures are depicted.
Are there any cultural stereotypes?
How do these depictions inform the viewer about the cultural values or biases of the ad creators?

4. Discuss how ethical issues in the social sciences impact advertising. Look beyond the economic effects of advertisements and consider the following questions to help address this prompt:

A. Do the ads confirm biases? Do they rely on stereotypes? Do they support social change? Do they stay neutral on social or political movements? Should they get involved in social or political movements?

B. Why might it be necessary for advertisers and companies in a diverse world to be as inclusive and unbiased as possible?

Ethical Issues in Social Sciences and Advertising

Reflect on the ethical considerations of the advertisements.
Discuss whether the ads perpetuate biases or stereotypes, contribute to social change, or remain neutral.
Explore the importance of inclusivity in advertising.

Representation of Individuals and Groups

Target Audiences: Advertisements are crafted to appeal to specific demographic groups. For example, a luxury car ad might target affluent adults by depicting professional success and exclusivity. In contrast, a family car ad might focus on safety and space, appealing to parents with young children (Chisholm, 2013).

Portrayal and Implicit Messages: Advertisements often convey implicit messages by portraying individuals. For instance, an ad featuring a woman in a leadership role in a tech company sends a progressive message about gender roles, challenging traditional stereotypes and promoting gender equality in STEM fields.

Culture

Stereotyped Group Behavior

Behaviour Representation: Ads may depict certain behaviours that reflect or reinforce societal stereotypes. A typical example is the portrayal of teenagers as rebellious or carefree, which could broadly influence perceptions of youth behaviour (Ward & Grower, 2020).

Underlying Messages: These portrayals can affect viewer perceptions, potentially reinforcing negative stereotypes or breaking down barriers by presenting counter-stereotypical behaviours.

Example: A fast-food advertisement showing only younger individuals enjoying junk food might inadvertently associate unhealthy eating habits solely with younger demographics.

Cultural Representation

Cultural Depictions: How advertisements represent culture can reveal much about societal norms and values. For example, ads that showcase multicultural gatherings during festivals like Christmas or Diwali promote inclusiveness and cultural diversity.

Cultural Stereotypes and Messages: It is crucial to identify whether these ads perpetuate cultural stereotypes or foster a broader understanding and acceptance of different cultures (Eisend et al., 2023).

Ethical Issues in Social Sciences and Advertising

It is vital to analyse whether advertisements confirm biases or rely on stereotypes. Ads that challenge societal norms and promote social change can profoundly impact public opinion and behaviour (Ferrell et al., 2019). The necessity of inclusive and unbiased ads cannot be overstated in a diverse world. Ethical advertising practices should respect all individuals and avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Examining advertisements through social science lenses reveals their profound influence on societal perceptions and behaviours. As the definition of liberal arts has evolved to incorporate a broader understanding of cultural and societal dynamics, so has the analysis of media like advertising. This analysis helps underscore the importance of ethical considerations in media production and the role of advertising in shaping, reflecting, and sometimes challenging societal norms and values. This approach enriches students’ academic perspectives and prepares them to critically engage with media in an informed, ethical, and socially responsible way.

The answers that come from an analysis can often lead to more questions. In this section, you will use the information you found from your advertisement analyses to ask a broader social science question. You do not need to answer the question, but talk about how you might study your advertisements using the skills and knowledge you gained in this course.

Part Two: Social Science Questions

For this part of SCS 100 6-2 ASSIGNMENT: Project Preparation, we will answer some fundamental social science questions concerning the selected advertisements.

5. Propose a finalised social science research question based on your analysis of the advertisements you chose.

A. Think beyond the minor details from your analysis and consider what the ads say about individuals, groups, institutions, or society.

B. What is the meaning or significance of the ads? For example, you might be interested in ethical issues related to advertising. You might want to explore how current events influence the content of ads. Or maybe you would like to ask how common ad themes could impact an audience’s self-concept.

Formulating a Social Science Research Question

Based on your analysis, propose a broad question that explores the more profound societal implications of the ads.
This question should aim to uncover underlying social dynamics or cultural shifts.

6. Discuss how you used a social science perspective to develop your research question.

A. Explain how you used social science concepts, perspectives, or approaches to write your research question.

Developing the Research Question Using Social Science Perspectives

Explain how social science concepts helped you frame your research question.
Describe the theories or methodologies from the social sciences that influenced your approach.

7. Explain one significant development in the social sciences that may have influenced your research question.

A. The significant development could include an important event, a discovery, the rejection of an old theory, the acceptance of a new theory, or a culture change that affected the field.

B. How might these changes in thinking and research have affected the conclusions drawn about your advertisements and the questions asked about them?

Significant Developments Influencing the Research Question

Discuss any recent developments in the social sciences that may have shaped your thinking about the advertisements.
This could include new theories, significant research findings, or shifts in social norms.

Example

In this section, I will utilise the findings from my previous analyses of advertisements to develop a research question that seeks to understand broader societal implications and dynamics reflected in these ads. The aim is to question and contextualise how advertisements influence societal norms and individual behaviour.

Formulating a Social Science Research Question

Finalised Research Question Proposal

Question: “How do representations of gender and family roles in contemporary advertisements influence societal norms and individual gender identity formation?”

This question explores the profound impact that media portrayal can have on individual identity and societal gender roles. It goes beyond the surface to investigate how repeated themes in advertising contribute to shaping social norms, especially concerning gender.

Developing the Research Question Using Social Science Perspectives

Application of Social Science Concepts

To frame this question, I employed concepts from sociology and psychology. Sociological theories on the role of media in society and psychological theories on identity formation were instrumental. Bandura’s social learning theory (1977), for instance, suggests that individuals acquire behavioural norms through their environment, prominently through media such as advertisements.

Influence of Methodologies

The methodology involves analysing advertisements’ content to identify common themes and narratives. This approach is grounded in cultural studies, which examine the symbolic environments created by media and their effects on the public.

Significant Developments Influencing the Research Question

The broadening of the liberal arts definition to include an integrated approach to social sciences has significantly influenced the framing of this question. This expansion recognises the interconnectedness of societal issues and encourages a multidisciplinary research approach.

Example of a Significant Development

The rise of gender studies has reshaped many social science perspectives, emphasising the need for media to portray more diverse and inclusive representations of gender and family (Mihelj & Jiménez-Martínez, 2021). This shift responds to the increasing societal demand for media that reflects real-world diversity.

This research will delve into the crucial role advertisements play in forming gender identities and perpetuating or challenging societal norms. Understanding these dynamics is essential for fostering a more inclusive society that accurately represents its diverse populations.

This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of how advertisements can shape societal perceptions and individual behaviours, contributing to the broader field of social sciences by integrating interdisciplinary methods and theories.

In this section, you will reflect on your experience using social science perspectives to analyse advertisements and ask research questions. You will consider how your personal beliefs, assumptions, and values influenced the question you developed and explain why knowledge of the social sciences is essential to understanding yourself, other people, and the world around you.

Part Three: Reflection

For this part of the SCS 100 6-2 ASSIGNMENT: Project Preparation, we will briefly reflect on our experience using social science perspectives to analyse the selected ads.

8. Describe how your assumptions, beliefs, and values influenced how you analysed your advertisements.

A. Consider how your perceptions of the social world may have influenced how you viewed your advertisements. Did/they cause you to make assumptions about the people in the ads? Did you focus on particular advertisements or parts of advertisements as a result? How might someone with a different set of beliefs view your advertisements?

Influence of Personal Beliefs and Values

Reflect on how your personal beliefs and assumptions affected your analysis.
Consider how a different perspective might alter the interpretation of the ads.

9. Discuss how social science perspectives or approaches could be used to process information.

A. Focus on the social science perspectives or approaches you feel would be the most beneficial for analysing the information you are presented with daily.

B. For example, would analysing ads on social media from a political science perspective help you better understand a company’s political stance on issues? What perspective would help you determine if there was a possible link between the length of a commercial and its intended audience? Would examining an ad targeted at caregivers from a sociological perspective help you understand the meaning of family in various cultures?

Using Social Science Perspectives for Daily Information Processing

Identify which social science approaches are most helpful in understanding everyday advertisements.
Discuss how these perspectives can aid in deciphering complex societal messages.

10. Explain how looking at the world from social science perspectives may impact your personal life.

A. How might using social science skills help you process and understand the information you use in your life?

11. Explain how examining issues from social science perspectives may affect your community relationships.

A. Think about challenges or opportunities in your community. How might applying social science perspectives to those issues benefit your community?

Impact of Social Science on Personal and Community Life

Evaluate how applying social science perspectives can enhance your personal relationships and community involvement.

12. Discuss how being more informed about the social sciences may help you understand global contemporary issues.

A. Consider how understanding how social scientists examine human behaviours could influence how you approach global challenges and questions.

Understanding Global Issues Through Social Science

Discuss the role of social sciences in addressing global challenges.
Explain how these perspectives help you understand and respond to international crises and trends.

Influence of Personal Beliefs and Values

My values around diversity and inclusion deeply influence my analysis of advertisements. I tend to scrutinise ads for how they portray gender roles and cultural diversity, reflecting my belief in equality and representation (Joyce et al., 2021). For example, I might focus more on an ad challenge or perpetuate gender stereotypes. Someone with different values, perhaps more conservative, might view the same advertisements as traditional or normative rather than problematic.

Different Perspectives: Viewing ads through a feminist lens might highlight issues of gender representation, while someone with a background in business might focus more on the branding and market positioning aspects.

Using Social Science Perspectives for Daily Information Processing

Social science perspectives, particularly from sociology and political science, are instrumental in understanding the broader implications of advertisements (Santoniccolo et al., 2023). For instance, a political science approach helps dissect ads’ messaging around political issues or corporate governance, providing insights into a company’s stance on societal issues.

Applicability: Examining ads on social media with a sociological lens can reveal how they reflect or influence societal norms and values, enhancing our understanding of social dynamics.

Impact of Social Science on Personal and Community Life

Using social science perspectives enhances my personal critical thinking skills and informs my interactions within the community. Understanding sociological theories, for example, can help me navigate and address community issues such as inequality or integration.

Community Engagement: Applying these perspectives can foster greater empathy and effectiveness in community initiatives, leading to more inclusive approaches to solving local problems.

Understanding Global Issues Through Social Science

The knowledge gained from social sciences is crucial in addressing global challenges. Social scientists can offer valuable insights into global issues such as migration, climate change, and international conflicts by understanding the various factors that influence human behaviour.

Global Perspective: Social sciences provide tools to analyse and respond to international crises, offering frameworks that consider cultural, economic, and political dimensions essential for comprehensive global strategies (Bardosh et al., 2020).

Reflecting on how social sciences influence our understanding of advertisements and broader societal issues highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in education and social analysis. The evolution of liberal arts to include broader social science perspectives enriches our understanding and equips us with the tools necessary for navigating and contributing to a complex, interconnected world. This educational approach fosters academic growth and deeper societal engagement and awareness.

Closing

The SCS 100 6-2 ASSIGNMENT: Project Preparation emphasises the power of social science in understanding and interpreting the world of advertising. Through careful analysis of advertisements, students learn about market dynamics, societal values, and cultural narratives. By adopting a critical social science perspective, students can better understand how media shapes and is shaped by the broader social and cultural context. In the next module of SCS-100, we will explore the 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections.

References

Bardosh, K. L., de Vries, D. H., Abramowitz, S., Thorlie, A., Cremers, L., Kinsman, J., & Stellmach, D. (2020). Integrating the social sciences in epidemic preparedness and response: A strategic framework to strengthen capacities and improve Global Health security. Globalisation and Health, 16(1), 120. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-020-00652-6

Boone, Tim, really, Anthony J., & Sashkin, M. (1977). SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY Albert Bandura Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1977. 247 pp., paperbound. Group & Organization Studies, 2(3), 384–385. https://doi.org/10.1177/105960117700200317

Chisholm, S. (2013). Gender and Advertising: How Gender Shapes Meaning. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Gender-and-Advertising-How-Gender-Shapes-Meaning-Chisholm/1ce6fde61d97723988d0592f1dd2edf47dd6141d

Eisend, M., Muldrow, A. F., & Rosengren, S. (2023). Diversity and inclusion in advertising research. International Journal of Advertising, 42(1), 52–59. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650487.2022.2122252

Ferrell, O. C., Harrison, D. E., Ferrell, L., & Hair, J. F. (2019). Business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and brand attitudes: An exploratory study. Journal of Business Research, 95, 491–501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.07.039

Joyce, K., Smith-Doerr, L., Alegria, S., Bell, S., Cruz, T., Hoffman, S. G., Noble, S. U., & Shestakofsky, B. (2021). Toward a Sociology of Artificial Intelligence: A Call for Research on Inequalities and Structural Change. Socius, 7, 2378023121999581. https://doi.org/10.1177/2378023121999581

Mihelj, S., & Jiménez-Martínez, C. (2021). Digital nationalism: Understanding the role of digital media in the rise of ‘new’ nationalism. Nations and Nationalism, 27(2), 331–346. https://doi.org/10.1111/nana.12685

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SCS 100 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections

Instructions of SCS 100 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections

Discussion

Now that you have reached the end of this course, reflect on your experiences of conducting social science research through the analysis of advertisements.

Create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts.

For your initial post, address the following:

How has examining your beliefs, assumptions, and/or values related to your research question affected how you process information in your daily life? Consider advertisements that pop up in your social media feeds, claims made in magazine articles, news headlines, or tweets by celebrities, or information shared by family.
What changes, big or small, have occurred in how you apply the skills you developed in this class to other classes, your personal life, and/or your career?

Be sure to provide specific examples to support your points.

For your response posts, address the following:

What perspectives have your peers offered that you had not previously considered about the value of identifying one’s beliefs, assumptions, and/or values?
Suggest other ways the social sciences might help your peers in their personal, professional, or academic careers.

Remember, this assignment is graded on the quality of your initial post and at least two response posts to your classmates. You are not required to do research for this discussion. If you do refer to sources, be sure to include an attribution (or citation) to the resource.

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric.

Introduction to SCS 100 8-1 Discussion

This Owlisdom How-To Guide aims to provide you with the necessary instructions to solve the SCS 100 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections post. This discussion revolves around you making connections and broadening your social network.

How has examining your beliefs, assumptions, and values related to your research question affected how you process information in your daily life? Consider advertisements that pop up in your social media feeds, claims made in magazine articles, news headlines, celebrity tweets, or information shared by family.

Examining Personal Beliefs and Information Processing

To start the SCS 100 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections, we will examine our personal beliefs and information that has affected our research of SCS 100.

Reflect Deeply: Consider how your engagement with the research question has made you examine your beliefs, assumptions, and values. How has this introspection changed how you interpret and process information you encounter daily, such as advertisements, news, or social media content?
Provide Examples: Share specific instances where you noticed a shift in evaluating or responding to information because of a changed perspective. This could involve questioning the credibility of sources more rigorously or recognising bias in media content more easily.

Example

Delving into my research question compelled me to scrutinise my underlying beliefs and biases, particularly regarding media consumption. This introspection has notably altered my approach to processing daily information. For instance, upon encountering advertisements on social media, I now actively seek to understand the underlying motives and the strategies used to influence consumer behaviour rather than absorbing content passively. Similarly, when reading news headlines or celebrity tweets, I’ve become more vigilant in assessing the source’s credibility and the potential bias behind the information presented. A specific example of this shift occurred when I analysed a magazine article claiming a certain product’s effectiveness. Instead of taking the claim at face value, I investigated the evidence supporting the assertion and considered alternative viewpoints, demonstrating a more critical engagement with media content. This change underscores the importance of critical thinking in navigating the vast and varied landscape of information encountered daily.

What changes, big or small, have occurred in how you apply the skills you developed in this class to other classes, your personal life, and your career?

Applying Class Skills in Life and Career

Now, in SCS 100 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections. We will discuss applying class skills in our lives and careers.

Identify Changes: Consider the skills you’ve developed in this class. How have you started applying these skills outside the classroom? Look for changes in your academic performance, personal decision-making, or professional behaviour.
Support with Examples: Offer concrete examples to illustrate these changes. This could be as simple as using critical thinking skills to navigate personal relationships or as significant as employing social science methodologies to address workplace challenges.

Example

Since engaging deeply with this class, I’ve woven critical thinking and analytical skills into various facets of my life. Academically, these skills have improved my ability to dissect complex theories and construct well-founded arguments, leading to enhanced grades and more meaningful class discussions. I’ve applied these techniques to navigate challenging conversations, allowing me to understand differing viewpoints empathetically and respond more thoughtfully. Professionally, I’ve utilised social science methodologies to develop a research project to understand consumer behaviour within my company, leading to more targeted marketing strategies. This project showcased the practical application of academic knowledge and highlighted the value of empirical research in solving real-world business problems. These changes, ranging from improved academic performance to enhanced professional practices, underscore the profound impact of social sciences skills beyond the classroom.

What perspectives have your peers offered that you had not previously considered about the value of identifying one’s beliefs, assumptions, and values?

Suggest other ways the social sciences might help your peers in their personal, professional, or academic careers.

Peer Response

Peer Responses are a vital part of SCS 100 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections. We are instructed to respond to two peer posts. I will provide an example response to one post.

Reflect on Peer Insights: When responding to peers, first acknowledge any new perspective or idea they’ve introduced that you hadn’t considered regarding the value of scrutinising one’s beliefs and assumptions.
Offer Constructive Suggestions: Consider how the social sciences might further benefit your peers in their personal, professional, or academic lives. Propose additional ways they could apply social science perspectives or methodologies.
Stay Specific and Supportive: Your suggestions should be targeted and practical, aimed at helping your peers explore new applications of their knowledge. Keep your tone supportive and encouraging.

Example

I hadn’t fully considered the depth of your point about how self-awareness, through examining our beliefs and assumptions, can deepen empathy in our connections. It’s a compelling perspective. Building on that, the social sciences could also be pivotal in our work and school lives. Imagine applying sociological insights to navigate better workplace relationships or using psychology to enhance academic collaboration. Your thoughts highlighted the versatile impact of social sciences, offering practical tools for improving communication and understanding across different areas of our lives. Thanks for shedding light on this!

Closing

This SCS 100 8-1 Discussion: Making Connections guide aims to facilitate a structured reflection and discussion on the personal impact of social science education. By following these guidelines, you can thoughtfully articulate your growth and offer valuable feedback to your peers, fostering a rich learning environment for everyone involved. You can also read the SCS-100 complete modules to ace the course!