What is Social Science?
Social science aims to increase our understanding of dynamic human behavior and how behavior influences health outcomes. Social science theory provides a blueprint for public health practitioners to examine human interaction and health outcomes. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the social ecological model (SEM) represents the interplay between individuals, their relationships, their community, and society. Social theory demonstrates the complex interactions that occur within the SEM to help predict behaviors. Theory is useful for public health practitioners who attempt to influence the behavior of individuals or groups.
Social science provides a strategic framework for public health practitioners to gather data, understand phenomena and patterns, predict health outcomes, and prevent or reduce disease and death. The social science discipline strives to systematically answer questions that build upon previous knowledge. Public health applies this evidence-based research to produce effective health programs, campaigns, and polices to improve the health and lives of individuals.
Many public health programming takes a linear approach to behavior modification. In other words, typical public health interventions propose rational solutions to solve a seemingly irrational behavior. This often results in programs that punish and blame rather than support and encourage. Effective social policy supports the target population and facilitates learning to fill an individual's gap in knowledge. This empowers the individual, or group, to change, and as a result the behavior sticks.
Having a Master's in Public Health gives me the knowledge to effectively assess populations and design programs that change behaviors to improve health outcomes. Social Science allows me the opportunity to figure out what really "makes people tick".
Social science provides a strategic framework for public health practitioners to gather data, understand phenomena and patterns, predict health outcomes, and prevent or reduce disease and death. The social science discipline strives to systematically answer questions that build upon previous knowledge. Public health applies this evidence-based research to produce effective health programs, campaigns, and polices to improve the health and lives of individuals.
Many public health programming takes a linear approach to behavior modification. In other words, typical public health interventions propose rational solutions to solve a seemingly irrational behavior. This often results in programs that punish and blame rather than support and encourage. Effective social policy supports the target population and facilitates learning to fill an individual's gap in knowledge. This empowers the individual, or group, to change, and as a result the behavior sticks.
Having a Master's in Public Health gives me the knowledge to effectively assess populations and design programs that change behaviors to improve health outcomes. Social Science allows me the opportunity to figure out what really "makes people tick".