DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES

THIRD QUARTER – WEEK 1

Introduction to Applied Social Sciences and the Discipline of Counseling

The learners demonstrate an understanding of:

A. Content Standards a. social sciences and applied social sciences
b. disciplines of counseling
The learners should be able to:

B. Performance Standards
a. explain clearly public perceptions about the work of social sciences and
applied social science practitioners
b. demonstrate a high level of understanding of the basic concepts of
counseling through a group presentation of a situation in which
practitioners of counseling work together to assist individuals, groups, or
communities involved in difficult situations (e.g., post disaster, court
hearing about separation of celebrity couple, cyber bullying)

1. Clarify the relationships and differences between social science and applied
C. Most Essential Learning social sciences (HUMSS_DIASS 12-Ia-1)
Competencies 2. Identify the goals and scope of counseling (HUMSS_DIASS 12-Ia-2)
3. Explain the principles of counseling (HUMSS_DIASS 12-Ic-5)

Defining Social Science

The social sciences are vast fields of scientific studies that investigate human societies and the different
forces that work within them. These diverse fields examine how people interact and develop culture. The social
sciences are made up of several disciplines and these include history, political sciences, sociology, psychology,
economics, geography, demography, anthropology and linguistics. As a body of scientific knowledge, the social
sciences provide a diverse set of lens that helps us understand and explain the different facets of human society.
The varieties of lens that social sciences study refer to the different fields of the social sciences that investigate
human society. Each field of the social sciences uses a unique set of lens comprised of a body of concepts,
theories, frameworks and methodologies that help us understand and study the multifarious forces that constitute
and affect human society.

The following are the different branches of social sciences:

Economics – Studies the allocation of scarce resources and the production and exchange of goods and services
in society.
Anthropology – is the scientific study of humans and their cultures in the past and present.
Geography – is the study of the interaction between people and their environments.
History – is a systematic study of human past events in order to understand the meaning, dynamics, and
relationship of the causes and effects of events in the development of societies.
Political Science – primarily studies human behavior in relation to political systems, governments, laws, and
international relations. It examines the relationship between people and policy at all levels from the individual to the
national and international levels.
Psychology – studies how the human mind works in consonance with the body to produce thoughts that lead to
individual actions. Psychology analyzes how people and groups experience the world through various emotions,
ideas, and in different conscious states.
Sociology – is a systematic study of people’s behavior in groups. It attempts to understand why and how people
interact with each other and how they function as a society or social subgroups.
Demography – is the scientific study of human populations across time. It examines the changes in population
growth through the analysis of statistics on birth, human movement, and morbidity, agedness, and mortality.

Defining the Applied Social Sciences

The applied social sciences was introduced as a reaction to the highly segmented and compartmentalized
division of the social sciences disciplines that dominated western research training during the late 1990s and until
the end of the twentieth century. Scholars from the social sciences argued that there is a need for more
cooperation within the different disciplines of the social sciences. This means that the different fields of the social
sciences must effectively work together in addressing issues. This multidisciplinary approach to the study of
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 DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
THIRD QUARTER – WEEK 1
Introduction to Applied Social Sciences and the Discipline of Counseling

different issues in society became the main focus and beginnings of the applied social sciences. The applied social
sciences are utilized to provide alternative solutions to the diverse problems of society (Goulder, 1989).

Applied social scientists can use his. Her training in different real-life work settings. Having been exposed
to the different theories, concepts, methodologies, and frameworks of the different fields of the social sciences,
applied social scientists has diverse functions and careers where he/she can apply his learnings and skills.

Here are the different disciplines that comprised the applied social sciences:
Counseling – is one of the fields of the applied social sciences. As an application of the social sciences,
counseling provides guidance, help, and support to support to individuals who are distraught by a diverse set of
problems in their lives. Through counseling, professional guidance is given to an individual and this is done by
applying psychological methods like collection of case history data, personal interviews, and aptitude tests.
Counseling can be done by guidance counselors, life coaches, career counselors, and personal growth counselors.
Social Work – is another professional activity of the applied social sciences which focuses on social change,
problem-solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance social justice. In
social work, practitioners help individuals, families, groups, and communities to improve their individual and
collective well-being.
Communication – focuses on how humans use verbal and nonverbal messages to create meaning in various
contexts across cultures using a variety of channels and media. In communication, practitioners stress the
importance of balance, objective, truthful and creative rendering of the news and other important events as they
happened.

THE DISCIPLINE IN COUNSELING

Counseling is a challenging career path, yet it is likewise interesting and fulfilling. It will give the opportunity
to reach out to someone and let them know they are not alone. According to the American Counseling Association
“Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Professional counselors help clients identify
goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and
coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health.” As a discipline, it is
applied to psychology and deals with normal responses to normal life events, which may sometimes create stress
for some people who, in turn, choose to ask for help and support.
Counseling is a vital part of assisting not only in social work but also in education. It is a process of helping
a person seeking help. Counseling happens when you meet a qualified specialist who has the expertise,
experience, and orientation to provide the services needed. A trained professional is a counselor who will
accompany you- listen to you and help you achieve your goals.
Based on the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004, guidance and counseling is a profession that involves
the application of a “integrated approach to the development of a well-functioning individual” through provision in
accordance with its interests, needs and abilities.

GOALS OF COUNSELING
Counseling are guided by the goals since its aim is to empower clients. Also, counseling can become more
clearer once its goals are clarified.
Facilitating Behavior Change - Enable clients to live more productive and satisfying life.
Improving Relationships- All relationships across the board. Becoming more effective in interpersonal
relationships.
Enhancing Coping Skills- Helping individuals to cope with new situations and challenges
Promoting Decision Making- Assisting the individual to make good decisions. Helping them to realize the
consequences of their decisions. Helping clients to see how their emotions and attitudes and values influence their
decisions and choices.
Facilitating the client’s potential- Improving personal effectiveness. Aid them in realizing their potential.

SCOPE OF COUNSELING
Scope of counseling is very vast. According to American Counseling Association (Counseling Organization
in America), Counseling has four scope and these are the following:
Individual Counseling- help one deal with many personal topics in life such as anger, depression, anxiety,
substance abuse, marriage and relationship challenges, parenting problems, school difficulties and career
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THIRD QUARTER – WEEK 1
Introduction to Applied Social Sciences and the Discipline of Counseling

changes, Stress Management, Spirituality, Workplace stress and relationships, anger management, Adoslescent
identity, concerns, teen-parent parents relationships, peer relationships, etc.
Couples Counseling- help resolve conflicts and heal wounds. Also, help couples slow down their spiral and re-
establish realistic expectations and goals.
Family Counseling- help address the common issues within the family such as parenting, sibling conflict, loss of
family members, new members entering the family, dealing with a major move or a general change affecting the
family system, life stages and transitions, remarriage relationship counselling, divorce and separation issues and
adjustment.
Group Counseling- allows one to find out that they are not alone in their type of life challenge. Typically, groups
have up to eight participants, one or two group leaders, and revolve around a common topic like: anger
management, self-esteem, divorce etc.

PRINCIPLES OF COUNSELING
Principles are, in a broad sense, simply rule-sets or guidelines based on moral and ethics which we follow.
Principles are important because they are the foundation of everything admirable about human beings. In
Counseling, there are also principles that need to be followed by the counselors and to be kept in mind for the
counseling to be successful and effective.
Counseling is a kind of profession where there is a need to follow strict principles based on the code of
ethics. The counseling process and counselor cannot be called reliable if they are not following principles. The
principles of counseling are specific and direct which made the work of counselor simple and easy.
Several foundational principles are the underpinnings of best ethical practice and are viewed as central to
the process of ethical decision making within the helping professions (Beauchamp & Childress, 2012; Coughlin,
2008; Kitchener, 1984; Kitchener & Anderson, 2011). Beauchamp and Childress(1979) identified four principles
that are at the core of ethical reasoning in health care: autonomy, justice, beneficence, and nonmaleficence.
Kitchener (1984) added fifth principle- fidelity. She viewed these five principles as the cornerstone of ethical
guidelines for counselors. With a better understanding of these principles, counselors may be able to better
understand the different conflicting issues that will arise in the counseling relationship.

Autonomy – is the principle that addresses respect of independence, and self- determination. The
essence of this principle is allowing an individual the freedom of choice and action. It addresses the responsibility of
the counselor to encourage clients, when appropriate, to make their own decisions and to act on their own values.
There are two important considerations in encouraging clients to be autonomous. First, helping clients to
understand how their decisions and their values may be received within the context of the society in which they live
and how they may impinge on the rights of others. Second, consideration is related to the client’s ability to make
sound and rational decisions. Persons not capable of making competent choices, such as children and some
individuals with mental disabilities, should not be allowed to act on decisions that could harm themselves or others.
Nonmaleficence- is the concept of not causing harm to others. Often explained as, “above all, do not
harm”, this principle is considered by some to be most critical of all the principles, even though theoretically they
are all of equal weight (Kitchener, 1984; Rosenbaum, 1982; Stadler, 1986). This principle reflects both the idea of
not inflicting intentional harm, and not engaging in actions that risk harming others. Weighing potential harm against
potential benefits is important in a counselor’s efforts toward ensuring “no harm”.
Justice- Treating individuals equitably and fostering fairness and equality. Commitment to be fair goes
beyond that of the ordinary person; in view of the agreement to promote worth and dignity of each individual,
counselors are required to be concerned with equal treatment for individuals (Kitchener, 1984 as cited in Mcleod,
2003).
Beneficence- Reflects the counselor’s responsibility to contribute to the welfare of the client or working for
the good of the individual and society by promoting mental health and well-being. To do good, to be proactive, and
also to prevent harm when possible.
Fidelity- Honoring commitments and keeping promises, including fulfilling one’s responsibilities of trust in
professional relationships. Involves the notions of loyalty, faithfulness, and honoring commitments. Clients must be
able to trust the counselor and have faith in the therapeutic relationship if growth is to occur.

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 DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
THIRD QUARTER – WEEK 1
Introduction to Applied Social Sciences and the Discipline of Counseling

Activity 1: Venn Diagram

Great job! You have learned the different disciplines of the social sciences and applied social sciences.
Your task now is to compare and contrast the social sciences and applied social sciences by completing the Venn
Diagram below. Through this task, it will help you improve your comprehension by
highlighting important details, ideas, and the relationship between the two disciplines. Please read the rubric/criteria
for your reference and guidance and to see how you will be graded for this activity.

VENN DIAGRAM RUBRIC

Element Indicator Score
Text to support Strong Grasp – All statements are supported by the text. (10)
of comparison Progressing – Most statements are supported by the text. (8)
statements Not in Evidence – Few or none of the statements are supported by the text.
(10points) (6)
Placement of Strong Grasp- All statements noting similarities/relationships are placed in the
statements center and all statements that note differences are placed in the correct outer circle
within the Venn (10)
Diagram Progressing – Most statements are placed in the correct circle, but student mixed
(10points) up a few statements (8)
Not in Evidence – Few statements are placed in the correct circle (6)
Number of Strong Grasp – Student is able to make five or more comparison statements in each
quality circle (10)
statements Progressing – Student is able to make 3-4 comparison statements in each circle (8)
(10points) Not in Evidence – Student makes two or fewer comparison statements in each
circle (6)

TOTAL ______
/30

Activity 2: I Need Help, Where Will I Go?

Instruction:
1. If something is bothering you about life matters: academics, relationship, family, identity, and financial
concerns,
a. with whom will you share your problem?
b. Will you pursue a formal help or a non formal help?
c. Why or why not?
d. Explain your answer.

Activity 3: In What Way Will Counseling Empower Me?

Instruction:
In our discussion on counseling goals, John Mendoza contends that: “Counseling aims to empower the
client by helping him/ her make critical decisions in life, develop ability to cope, enhance effectiveness, and improve
quality of life.”
1. What do you think about this statement?
2. Do you accept or support it?
3. How will it empower you?
4. Explain you answer.

Activity 4: Which Counseling Principle I Agree Most?

Instruction:
1. You are instructed by your group leader to discuss one ethical principle of counseling in your class.
Among the four ethical principles that we discussed in class, namely: principle of
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 DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN THE APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
THIRD QUARTER – WEEK 1
Introduction to Applied Social Sciences and the Discipline of Counseling

autonomy of individuals, principle of nonmaleficence, principle of justice, and principle of fidelity:

a. Which will you choose to present?

b. Why this principle?
c. What aspect of the principle influences you? Please explain.

REFERENCES

Gouldner, Alvin W. (1989). Exploration in Applied Social Science. Sociological Practice: Vol. 7: Iss 1, Article 5.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/socprac/vol7/iss1/5/

Melegrito, M.L.F., Dela Cruz, A.R., Valdez, V., & Fernandez, C. (2016). Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social
Sciences. Phoenix Publishing House, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines

Repko, Allen F. (2008). Interdisciplinary Research: Process and Theory. London, Los Angeles, New Delhi,
Singapore: Sage.

Sampa, Elias M. (2017). Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences. Rex Book Store, Inc., Quezon City,
Philippines

Prepared:

JANETH M. SATRAIN