Group Theory Synthesis

Due Date: Thursday, September 28th

In this assignment, you will examine the three major group theories we've studied so far -- activity theory, transactive memory theory, and symbolic convergence theory -- and write a sustained, 5- to 6-page summary synthesis of the theory's primary tenets.

In your discussion, you should draw relationships between elements of three theories. For example, you might discuss how the strength of one theory dovetails into the weakness of another to forge a complementary bond. You might, however, find two of the theories diametrical opposed to one another, in which case you could discuss the contrasts involved.

During your discussion, you'll find it difficult to avoid making critical comments regarding at least one of the theories. When you do veer into critique, make sure you taken into consideration the following criteria suggested by Stephen Littlejohn for evaluating theories:

• Theoretical Scope - Is the theory's explanation sufficient general to cover a range of events beyond a single observation? Theories can cover either a broad domain of social phenomenon, or they can cover a narrow range of phenomenon that apply across numerous case situations.
• Appropriateness - What are the theory's epistemological, ontological, and axiological assumptions, and are they appropriate for the research questions being addressed?
• Heuristic Value - Does the theory have potential for generating research and additional theory?
• Validity - Does the theory have any conceptual or pragmatic value?
• Parsimony - Is the theory logically simple? In science, if two theories are equally valid, then the theory with the simplest logical explanation is often said to be the best. This principle is generally known as Occam's Razor.

In writing up your synthesis, it is not necessary to use all of the above criteria, which are offered only as guidelines for theory evaluation. If you have other criteria you'd like to use in discussing these theories, then by all means do so. Just be sure to make these criteria explicit in your discussion.

If you should have any questions about this assignment, please don't hesitate to contact me.