Activity Theory

Activity Theory
 
I thought this theory was very interesting as soon as I started researching it.  We all have some sort of human to computer interaction so I think this topic fits in well with our class.  "Tools shape the way human beings interact with reality." (Ryder)  This theory was initiated by a Russian group of psychologists.  "who sought to understand human activities as complex, socially situated phenomena and go beyond paradigms of psychoanalysis and behaviorism."
 
 There are five basic principles that make up the general conceptual system that is Activity Theory.  They are:
 
1.  The hierarchical structure of activity.  Activities are composed of goal-directed actions that must be undertaken to fulfill the object.
 
2.  Object-orientedness.  Reality is objective.
 
3.  Internalization and Externalization.  There are internal and external activities.  Internal activities can only be studied with reference to how they relate to external activities.  Internalization is the transformation of external activities into internal ones.  Internalization allows individuals to try potential activities without actually performing an external activity.  Externalization is the transformation of internal activities into external ones.  This is necessary, for example, when groups must collaborate in order to accomplish an activity.
 
4.  Mediation.  Human activity is mediated by tools.  Tools are created in the process of performing activities (necessity is the mother of invention?).  Tools and the use thereof represent an accumulation and transmission of social knowledge.  Tools influence external behavior.
 
5.  Development.  In Activity Theory, the study is of subjects not in a laboratory, but as they progress and develop through the activity.
 
 
Groups:

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