Key characteristics of each of the four lenses
Identify the key characteristics of each of the four lenses: social science, natural science, history, and the humanities.
Be sure to include relevant points that help explain the characteristics.
Identify the types of evidence used when looking through each lens.
Determine similarities and differences among the lenses, based on the characteristics you have identified.
Researching Your Topic
For the topic you selected from the list above, determine what you know, what you want to know, and what you have learned about the topic from the provided resources in the library guide. You will need to use each of the four lenses in your responses.
Know (K): Draw on previous and personal experiences to provide information about what you already know about your topic in relation to each lens.
Want to know (W): Determine what you want to know about your topic in relation to the lenses.
Be sure to phrase this information in the form of questions.
What keywords would be helpful in exploring your topic?
Learned (L): Answer the questions you posed about your topic using the provided resources in the library guide. If they are not answered by the resources, explain what steps you will take to answer them.
Applying the Lenses to Your Topic
Choose two of the four lenses you applied when researching your topic, and examine the topic in greater detail.
Topic and first lens: Examine your topic through your first lens.
Be sure to identify the lens you selected.
Write about what you learned in your examination. Use details and examples relevant to that lens from the resources in the library guide and the course.
Topic and second lens: Examine your topic through your second lens.
Be sure to identify the lens you selected.
Write about what you learned in your examination. Use details and examples relevant to that lens from the resources in the library guide and the course.
Similarities and differences: Explain the similarities and differences in how the lenses relate to your topic.
Focus on the view you get when looking at your topic through both lenses.
Further exploration: Determine the next steps for further exploration of the topic you have chosen.
Determine questions to ask for further exploration of this topic. Would you continue to explore through the lenses you’ve chosen, or take another approach?
Characteristics of the Four Lenses
Social Science Lens:
Focuses on understanding human behavior, societies, and social structures.
Utilizes quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Analyzes data through statistical analysis and sociological theories.
Seeks to explain patterns, relationships, and societal phenomena.
Natural Science Lens:
Investigates the natural world and its physical properties.
Relies on empirical evidence and the scientific method.
Conducts experiments, makes observations, and formulates hypotheses.
Seeks to uncover laws, principles, and explanations of natural phenomena.
Historical Lens:
Examines events, individuals, and societies in the past.
Relies on primary and secondary sources of historical evidence.
Analyzes contexts, causes, and consequences of historical events.
Aims to provide a narrative understanding of the past.
Humanities Lens:
Explores human culture, art, literature, philosophy, and language.
Emphasizes interpretation, meaning, and subjective experience.
Engages in critical analysis and interpretation of texts and cultural artifacts.
Explores the human condition, values, and aesthetics.
Types of Evidence Used by Each Lens
Social Science Lens:
Surveys
Interviews
Observations
Statistical data
Case studies
Natural Science Lens:
Experiments
Observations
Measurements
Data analysis
Scientific literature
Historical Lens:
Primary sources (documents, letters, diaries)
Secondary sources (historical books, articles)
Oral histories
Archaeological artifacts
Humanities Lens:
Literary texts
Artistic works
Philosophical treatises
Historical documents
Critical analyses
Similarities and Differences Among the Lenses
Similarities:
All lenses involve inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge.
They rely on evidence and analysis to understand phenomena.
They contribute to a holistic understanding of the world.
Differences:
The social science lens focuses on human behavior and societies, while the natural science lens examines the natural world.
The historical lens looks into the past, whereas the humanities lens explores culture, art, and literature.
The types of evidence used vary across the lenses.
Further Exploration
For further exploration of the chosen topic, consider the following questions:
How can the social science lens help us understand the societal implications of this topic?
What scientific research has been conducted regarding this topic?
How has history shaped our understanding of this topic?
What insights can the humanities lens provide regarding the cultural significance of this topic?
Continuing exploration through the lenses already chosen would provide a comprehensive understanding. However, taking another approach like a psychological lens could further explore individual motivations and cognitive processes related to the topic.