Portal:Concepts

From Elmer Social Science Resource Center

To view all the concepts go here HERE.

Anatomy of a Concept

Short Definition

• All dictionary concepts are composed of a short definition. If the term has two or more different meanings within or between disciplines, the short definition includes this differentiation. When possible the short definition will also count on the etymological root of the term as well as indicate whom coined it. The purpose of the short definition is to succinctly, specifically, & comprehensively define a concept with short, precise, cross-disciplinary definitions.

• In time, the short definition will also count with a translation of the term is Spanish & French, linking to its translated versions of the entire article in its respective language. The purpose of listing a concepts translation into another language is to facilitate cross-cultural research for people reading across various languages. Other languages can and will be incorporated based on additional editor participation.

Extended Definition

• A social science definition requires different theoretical points of view to be defined according to different World Views. There is no one definition to a social science term, but rather approximations that each contribute another kernel of truth.

• There are various reasons why each term should have an extended definition. a list of different potential components to an extended definition elucidates some of these reasons:
  • Historical Evolution. The Historical context of a content may be important to understand the term, as it first came to be, as well as how it has changed through time.
  • Across Disciplines. The term may refer to different things or vary in nuance or intent when examined across different social science disciplines. It is always important to distinguish a term's cross-disciplinary similarities and differences.
  • According To. Even within a same discipline, there are varying schools of thought or authors that use or define a terms differently. It is always important to distinguish what those differences are.
  • Subsets. A definition may contain different forms and therfore, as a genus of a group of similar objects, requires a breakdown of its components.
  • Not to be confused with/As opposed to/Similar to. Some terms are often confused with other ones, sometime they are in contrasts to others, and at other times they are very similar to other concepts. It is always important to raise these issues.