Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Social sciences

Key Elements of Effective Research

What Elements Define the Research Problem?

The core elements include:

• Pursuing well-defined research objectives
• Formulating clear research questions
• Establishing a strong rationale for the investigation
• Conducting a feasibility study
• Identifying and assessing gaps in the existing knowledge base

What Constitutes a Proper Literature Review?

A proper literature review involves a thorough selection and integration of references into the theoretical framework. To ensure its quality, consider these questions:

• Was a database query (manual or computer-based) performed, considering sources from at least the past 5 years?
• Were internet search engines and directories consulted?
• Were at least 4 relevant scientific journals consulted,

The communicative situation is the set of circumstances in which communication takes place. These elements are:

• Personality of transmitter and receiver
• Degree of formality
• Topic of communication
• Intentionality
• Interaction type
• Scope of social interaction

Language Registers

It is the individual use of language. It reflects the ability of people to adapt their language style based on their proficiency: the higher the degree and level of language, the easier it will be to change their style. There are two types of registers:

1. Formal register: Used in specialized fields and employs standard usage. The formal register is the standard register.
2. Informal register: Used in family and friendship settings. The most significant is the colloquial register.

The Colloquial

Question 1

Teachers should not replace "old technologies" with "new technology"; they should, first of all, ensure a good fit. That is, use each technology for what it is best suited, and therefore superior to the other. New technologies, when associated with good pedagogical teaching, learning, and assessment, are of great importance from the moment they are seen as educational tools that can facilitate learning and become mediators for students to construct their own knowledge. In this process, the student takes on an active role rather than a passive one, addressing their needs so they can become critical and reflective citizens in the context of current education. Given this reality, the idea that individuals must "be able to accomplish... Continue reading "Technology, Taxes, and Globalization: Key Issues" »

Historical Materialism

Historical materialism is a theory about society which posits that the basis of all social order lies in production. Humans differ from animals when they begin to produce their means of subsistence, thereby indirectly producing their material life. To achieve this, humans must work, with work being the cause of production. This work has always been social and collective, thus creating a series of links and relationships between all agents of production, known as social relations.

Production Factors

Production is the activity that creates material assets and is conditioned by the nature of the objects being processed. This production involves two key elements: the work process and the relations of production. These two elements... Continue reading "Historical Materialism: Production as Society's Basis" »

6) State Structure and the "First Device"

The Spanish Constitution (EC) in its Article 2 does not establish a definitive model of the state structure but is limited to establishing basic elements, allowing great flexibility in shaping the state model that has been shaped through the adoption of different Statutes of Autonomy.

The lack of definition of a closed state model shows that the EC does not determine whether the state should be formed by regions, how many, or which ones, nor what territory. Article 152 simply outlines its internal organization.

The constitutional uncertainty on these issues and the ability of the constituted territories to form new regional governments, while respecting constitutional limits, is what is called the "first... Continue reading "Spanish Constitution and Autonomous Regions" »

Introductory Elements

• The state is the political organization of society. Power, the center of politics, is a key element of the state. The existence of power relations doesn't inherently define power itself.
• The state's core components are power, territory, and citizens.

Power

Power, in its exercise, is often wielded based on personal interests and convictions, leading to confusion between individuals and institutions. It's an individual's capacity to act or refrain from acting. Absolute power occurs when an individual's will is enforced without opposition.

"Power is the ability to exercise one's will, supported by resources, resulting in its enforceability." State power involves imposition and institutionalized force, implying coercion and a deliberate... Continue reading "Understanding the State: Power, Territory, and People" »

PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party)

Founded by Pablo Iglesias in Madrid on May 2, 1879. Since its inception, the party aimed to unite the Spanish industrial proletariat under Marxist ideology, later evolving towards a social democratic orientation.

UGT (General Workers' Union)

Founded by Pablo Iglesias in Barcelona on August 12, 1888. This Spanish labor union also evolved from a Marxist to a social democratic orientation, similar to the PSOE.

Antonio Maura (1853-1925)

A prominent Spanish politician and lawyer, he served five times as President of the Council of Ministers of Spain and head of government. During his tenure, Maura was determined to end caciquismo (chieftaincy), encouraged Spain's relations with Britain and France, and initiated... Continue reading "Key Figures and Concepts in Modern Spanish History" »

Democracy: Core Principles and Policies

Democracy is a system where power belongs to all citizens. This power is not absolute but is limited by a Constitution, which, among other provisions, ensures the division of power and protects citizens' rights.

Access to political power is achieved through open and peaceful competition among a plurality of political forces. In a democratic regime, those who exercise power do so for a defined period. Citizens' rights are protected by the Constitution and laws.

The National Constitution

The National Constitution is a written document. It is considered rigid because its reform requires a special procedure, distinct from the common process for amending ordinary laws.

Objectives of the Constitution

The Constitution'... Continue reading "Democracy Fundamentals: Principles, Constitution, and Governance Models" »

Marx's Philosophy: A Scientific Interpretation of History

Marx's philosophy is intended as a scientific interpretation of human history, aiming to predict its future course. Marx argues that the proper way to interpret history is not by staying on the surface, focusing on anecdotes about rulers or the prevalent thoughts of each era. Instead, one must go directly to the motor of history, which, according to Marx, is the **economy** and the **production relations** among people.

The Motor of History: Class Struggle

For Marx, the motor of history is **class struggle**. Throughout time, different economic systems have emerged (slavery, feudalism, capitalism), each representing a different form of exploitation of one class by another. In each system,... Continue reading "Marxism: Understanding History and Class Struggle" »

Rousseau on Nature, Society, and Contract

According to Rousseau, men are naturally free and equal, possessing mercy, kindness, simplicity of life, and enjoy easy coexistence due to an abundance of goods. If men are seen in a state of struggle and inequality, it is attributed to society and its institutions, particularly private property. (Rousseau believed man is naturally good, but society corrupts him).

The only legitimate state operates under the rule of law, protecting all people and their property equally through a social contract. This contract ensures:

• Since all individuals surrender their rights equally, it prevents the creation of differences.
• It ensures no loss of personal freedom, maintaining equality.
• It guarantees the conditions necessary