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What is the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) theory?
SCOT is a theory within the field of science and technology studies that argues that technology does not determine human action, but rather, human action shapes technology.
What do advocates of SCOT argue regarding the use of technology?
Advocates of SCOT argue that the ways a technology is used cannot be understood without understanding how that technology is embedded in its social context.
What is SCOT's response to technological determinism?
SCOT is a response to technological determinism and is sometimes known as technological constructivism.
What are the subtopics included in SCOT?
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What empirical methods are used in SCOT?
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Study Notes
Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) Theory
- SCOT is a theory emphasizing that technology development is shaped by social, economic, and cultural factors.
- It posits that human actions and societal beliefs influence the creation and implementation of technology.
Arguments by Advocates of SCOT
- Advocates argue that technologies are not neutral; they reflect the values and priorities of the societies that produce them.
- They maintain that various social groups compete to define a technology's purpose and use, leading to divergent technological outcomes.
SCOT's Response to Technological Determinism
- SCOT challenges the idea of technological determinism, which claims that technology develops independently and shapes society.
- It argues that technology is not the sole factor influencing societal change; rather, social context and human agency play significant roles.
Subtopics Included in SCOT
- Relevant Social Groups: Examines the diverse groups that impact technology design and usage.
- Interpretative Flexibility: The concept that technologies can be interpreted and used in various ways depending on the social context.
- Stabilization: Discusses the process through which particular interpretations and uses of technology become dominant.
Empirical Methods Used in SCOT
- Employs case studies to explore specific technologies and their social contexts.
- Engages in qualitative research to understand how different groups interact with technology.
- Utilizes historical analysis to trace the development and societal implications of technological innovations.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) theory with this quiz. Explore how human action shapes technology and understand the social context of technological development. Evaluate your understanding of how technology and society interact in this thought-provoking quiz.
