Government is the system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state. It’s the mechanism through which a society makes and enforces its public policies. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Authority: Government holds legitimate power to make and enforce laws. Territory: Governments typically govern a specific geographical area. Sovereignty: Governments have supreme … Read more
Geopolitics is the study of international relations in terms of geography and material resources. It examines how a country’s location, natural resources, and power influence its relationships with other countries and its role in the global political landscape. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts State Power: The relative strength and influence of nations, often determined by … Read more
Forensic psychology is the application of psychological principles and research to the legal system. It bridges the gap between the worlds of psychology and law. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Legal Application: Focuses on applying psychological knowledge to legal issues. Assessment: Involves evaluating individuals’ mental states, competency, and risk factors. Testimony: Often requires psychologists to … Read more
Economics is the social science that studies how societies allocate scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants and needs. It examines how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions regarding the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Scarcity: The fundamental economic problem; there are limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants. … Read more
Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of states (countries). It involves skillful communication and negotiation to resolve conflicts peacefully and foster cooperation. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Negotiation: The core process of diplomacy, involving dialogue and compromise to achieve mutually acceptable outcomes. Representation: Diplomats act as official representatives of their … Read more
Cultural anthropology is the study of human cultures and societies. It examines how people live, interact, and create meaning in their worlds. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Holistic Approach: Considers all aspects of a culture, from social structures to religious beliefs and material culture. Ethnographic Research: Relies heavily on fieldwork, immersing researchers in the communities … Read more
Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminal behavior, including its causes, consequences, and prevention. It examines the various factors that contribute to criminal activity, from individual psychology to societal structures. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Focuses on understanding crime patterns and trends. Employs various research methods, including surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis. Explores … Read more
Communication theory is the field of study that examines how people create, exchange, and interpret messages. It explores the various processes involved in communication, including encoding, transmission, receiving, and decoding of information. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Sender and Receiver: Communication always involves at least one sender and one receiver. Message: The information or idea … Read more
Behavioral economics studies how psychology affects economic decision-making. It examines how cognitive biases, emotions, and social factors influence choices, departing from the traditional assumption of perfectly rational actors. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Cognitive biases: Systematic errors in thinking that affect decisions (e.g., confirmation bias, anchoring bias). Heuristics: Mental shortcuts used to simplify decision-making, often … Read more
Anthropology is the study of humanity. It examines human societies, cultures, and their development. It’s a broad field encompassing various aspects of the human experience, from biological evolution to social structures and cultural practices. Key Characteristics / Core Concepts Holistic Approach: Anthropology considers the interconnectedness of various aspects of human life, including biology, culture, and … Read more