SOC 2109 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Social Learning Theory, Cognitive Dissonance, Role Theory
15 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
Sociological social psychology theories of the small and large. Theories: a theory is a set of interrelated propositions that organizes and explains observed phenomena, a theory 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. Conceptual plane operational plane (abstract to concrete) Why is theory important: explanations can be described as the stories we tell each other in attempts to produce some order in our lives, explanations outline paths that lead to particular outcomes. They allow us to feel that we know why something happened, and whether or not under certain conditions, it is likely to occur again. Middle-range theories: frameworks that identify conditions that produce specific social behavior, formulated in terms of cause and effect: Explanation of processes by which persuasion produces attitude change.
