Table of Contents

01. Reading Textbooks 03. Reading Texts in

in the Natural and Mathematics and
Social Sciences the Humanities

Preparing
02. Outlines and
04. Paraphrasing and
Summarizing
Bibliographies
RECITATION

LET’S REVIEW!
Getting Started
The term science has been broadly used to refer to a range of disciplines that
involves the process of discovery. When we were in our elementary years, what
usually enters our mind when we hear science is the study of the natural world-how
seasons change, the parts of a flower, the life cycle of a frog, matter and energy, and
so forth.
 THE NATURAL SCIENCES THE SOCIAL SCIENCES

Characteristics Sample Topics Characteristics Sample Topics

Studied Studied
 THE NATURAL SCIENCES THE SOCIAL SCIENCES

Characteristics Sample Topics Characteristics Sample Topics

Studied Studied

● Physical world ● Chemistry ● Studies of ● Gerontology

● Related ● Biology people and ● Criminology
disciplines like ● Physics society. ● Political
technology ● Relationships Science
and among human
mathematics beings.
The Nature of Knowledge in the Natural and Social
Sciences

Both the natural and the social sciences were

labeled as such because the knowledge
presented in these fields has been produced as
a result of a rigorous application of the
scientific method. As such, the data presented
in such fields are expected to be empirical in
nature (empirical data) and had been reviewed
by other experts in order to ascertain their
credibility. Through continued research, the
insights promulgated by these two disciplines
may improve or even change over time if proven
that another paradigm better explains a given
phenomenon.
 The Language of the Natural and Social Sciences
Given the objective nature of the natural and social sciences, academic materials in
the said fields are usually written in a detached manner. This means that an author's
personal opinions, suggestions, and other peculiar expressions are avoided in order
to create an impression that the data presented will hold true regardless of whoever
is telling it. The pieces of information are also usually presented in a deductive
manner. The overarching principles are first presented, and then later on backed up
with concrete and specific pieces of evidence in order to lend credence to the
former.

To further familiarize yourself with materials in the natural and the social sciences,
you will be examining a sample textbook from each discipline, taking into
consideration their structure, language, and other salient features. You will also try to
determine the main idea presented in a specific chapter in a textbook, as well as use
your knowledge of its structure in order to glean specific information.