SOCPSY 1Z03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Role Theory, Delimiter, Symbolic Interactionism
20 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
What is a theory: a set of interrelated propositions that organizes and explains observed phenomena. Delimiter & myers: it goes beyond mere observable facts by postulating causal relations among variables, if a theory is valid, it enables its user to explain the phenomena under consideration and make predictions about events not yet observed. Conditioning: in conditioning, a relationship is established between emitting a response and receiving a reinforcement, if a person emits a particular response and this response is then reinforced, the connection between response and reinforcement is strengthened. Reinforcement theory: reinforcement theory portrays individuals as reacting to environmental stimuli rather than as initiating behaviour based on imaginative or creative thought, limitations: reinforcement theory cannot easily explain altruism and martyrdom. Cognitive theory: the mental activities (cognitive processes) of the individual are important determinants of social behaviour, these cognitive processes include perception, memory,judgement, problem solving, and decision making, an individual"s cognitive processes intervene between external stimuli and behavioural responses.
