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The Definition of the Situation and Variable Rationality: The Model of Frame Selection as a General Theory of Action

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  • Kroneberg, Clemens

    (Sonderforschungsbereich 504)

Abstract

Starting from the classical sociological notion of the definition of the situation and the idea of variable rationality, the article develops the Model of Frame Selection (MFS) as a general theory of action. This model explains how an actor defines a situation (frame selection), which program of action he activates (script selection) and which action he is willing to perform (action selection). The MFS assumes that each of these selections can be governed by one of two distinct modes of information processing: A reflecting-calculating mode in which an actor shows the forward-looking maximizing behavior assumed by rational choice theory, or an automatic-spontaneous mode in which he will select without any prior reflection a mentally strongly accessible alternative. Relying on insights gained in cognitive social psychology, the MFS also specifies the conditions under which one or the other mode prevails. How the MFS can be applied to explain behavior and guide the analysis of social mechanisms is demonstrated.

Suggested Citation

  • Kroneberg, Clemens, 2006. "The Definition of the Situation and Variable Rationality: The Model of Frame Selection as a General Theory of Action," Sonderforschungsbereich 504 Publications 06-05, Sonderforschungsbereich 504, Universität Mannheim;Sonderforschungsbereich 504, University of Mannheim.
    • Handle: RePEc:xrs:sfbmaa:06-05
    Note: I am indebted to Hartmut Esser and Thomas Gschwend for helpful comments on earlier versions of this paper. Financial support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, SFB 504, at the University of Mannheim, is gratefully acknowledged.
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    File URL: http://www.sfb504.uni-mannheim.de/publications/dp06-05.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Stocké, Volker & Stark, Tobias, 2006. "Trust in surveys and the respondents' susceptibility to item nonresponse," Papers 06-06, Sonderforschungsbreich 504.
    2. Dominik Becker & Klaus Birkelbach, 2011. "Teachers' Evaluations and the Definition of the Situation in the Classroom," Cologne Graduate School Working Paper Series 02-04, Cologne Graduate School in Management, Economics and Social Sciences.
    3. Dominik Becker, 2013. "The impact of teachers’ expectations on students’ educational opportunities in the life course: An empirical test of a subjective expected utility explanation," Rationality and Society, , vol. 25(4), pages 422-469, November.
    4. Tim De Ceunynck & Diana Kusumastuti & Els Hannes & Davy Janssens & Geert Wets, 2013. "Mapping leisure shopping trip decision making: validation of the CNET interview protocol," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 47(4), pages 1831-1849, June.
    5. Kroneberg, Clemens & Heintze, Isolde & Mehlkop, Guido, 2008. "On shoplifting and tax fraud : an action-theoretic analysis of crime," Papers 08-16, Sonderforschungsbreich 504.
    6. Clemens Kroneberg & Meir Yaish & Volker Stocké, 2010. "Norms and Rationality in Electoral Participation and in the Rescue of Jews in WWII," Rationality and Society, , vol. 22(1), pages 3-36, February.

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