Page 27 - DLIS407_INFORMATION AND LITERATURE SURVEY IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

Information and Literature Survey in Social Sciences

Notes are called historians. It is a field of research which uses a narrative to examine and analyse the sequence
of events, and it sometimes attempts to investigate objectively the patterns of cause and effect that
determine events. Historians debate the nature of history and its usefulness. This includes discussing
the study of the discipline as an end in itself and as a way of providing "perspective" on the problems
of the present. The stories common to a particular culture, but not supported by external sources
are usually classified as cultural heritage rather than the "disinterested investigation" needed by the
discipline of history. Events of the past prior to written record are considered prehistory.
Amongst scholars, the fifth century BC Greek historian Herodotus is considered to be the "father of
history", and, along with his contemporary thucydides, forms the foundations for the modern study
of history. Their influence, along with other historical traditions in other parts of their world, have
spawned many different interpretations of the nature of history which has evolved over the centuries
and are continuing to change. The modern study of history has many different fields including those
that focus on certain regions and those which focus on certain topical or the matical elements of
historical investigation. Often history is taught as part of primary and secondary education, and the
academic study of history is a major discipline in university studies.

Task Give some examples of social facts, which are external to individuals and can
be defined in terms of constraint and coercion. How does an individual know
about these?

Self Assessment
Fill in the Blanks:
7. …………is the discovery, collection, organization and presentation of information about
social facts.
8. Events of the past prior to written record are considered…………... .

3.4 Summary

y The term sociology means the study of society and human social action. Generally the
sociology constitutes the social rules and processes that bind and separate people not only as
individuals, but as members of associations, groups communities and institutions and includes
the examination of the organization and development of human social life.
y Sociology as a science of society, studies its social institutions, social groups, social processes
and organisations.
y The discipline of history includes the continuous, systematic narrative and research of past
events concerning to humanity.
y The historical method comprises the techniques and guidelines by which historians use primary
sources and other evidence to research and then to write history.

3.5 Keywords

Sociology: The term sociology means the study of society and human social action.
History: The discipline of history includes the continuous, systematic narrative and research of past
events concerning to humanity.

22 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY