Sociocultural contexts of cognitive theory
Article Abstract:
Richard Prawat discussed cognition and learning within the theories proposed by John Dewey and Lev Vygotsky. This is an indication that the current status of cognitive theory has drifted towards the humanities rather than trying to fit the image of a fast-developing scientific theory. Renewed interest in their theories affords a reconstruction of the metaphors employed by the two famous psychologists. Dewey's learners can be described as 'Workers' who acquire socially meaningful habits. Vygotsky's learners can be portrayed as 'Poets' who master and internalize language and create their own text.
Publication Name: Human Development
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0018-716X
Year: 1999
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Is cultural psychology on the middle ground or farther?
Article Abstract:
Psychological researchers would be glad to know that there exists a middle perspective between modernist psychology based on traditional cognitive psychology and postmodern psychology. This is what Richard Prawat set out to do in his study synthesizing the ideas of prominent psychologist John Dewey and Lev Vygotsky. Modernist psychology assumes that human cognition is tightly guided in a top-down manner and is not flexible or context-sensitive. On the other hand, Prawat used the head-fitting view of memory and assumes the human mind to be primarily cognitive.
Publication Name: Human Development
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0018-716X
Year: 1999
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Meaning-making in the conversation: head spinning, heart winning, and everything in between
Article Abstract:
Richard Prawat has set out to propose that a middle ground, between modernist psychology and postmodernism, exists for cognitive research. Prawat is concerned that 'postmodern' approaches to cognitive theory are not grounded on 'realist' epistemology. However, postmodern psychology is deeply against the 'master narratives' of modernist psychology. These are the meta-theories that set the tone of discussion for everyone. Postmoderns prefer local ideas about truth rather than universal generalizations and meta-claims such as 'realism.'
Publication Name: Human Development
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0018-716X
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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