Cultural studies explores contemporary culture's social and historical foundations. Field combines various disciplines including semiotics, Marxism, and feminism. Culture viewed as constantly changing set of practices and processes. Focuses on power dynamics and cultural practices in society
Latin phrase meaning "other things equal" or "all other things held constant". Used to isolate effects of one variable while ignoring others. Essential in scientific inquiry to eliminate interfering factors
Published in 1985 in Socialist Review, challenging traditional gender and identity politics. Introduces concept of cyborg as hybrid between machine and organism. Explores three boundary breakdowns since 20th century: human-animal, animal-human-machine, physical-non-physical
Neoclassical economics views production and consumption through supply and demand model. Value determined by utility maximization by individuals and profit maximization by firms. Theory emphasizes rational choice and independent decision-making
Economists use specialized language to explain complex economic concepts. Economics follows scientific method, collecting data and analyzing theories. Scientists like economists make assumptions to simplify complex problems
Hypothesis is an assumption proposed for testing purposes. Theory is a principle supported by evidence and data. Hypothesis is constructed before any applicable research. Theory has higher likelihood of being true than hypothesis