Activity theory

Activity Theory

Diagram of an activity system in activity theory

Activity theory is a theoretical framework for understanding human behavior and consciousness in terms of the interactions between individuals and their environment. It originated from the work of Soviet psychologists Lev Vygotsky, Alexei Leontiev, and Sergei Rubinstein. Activity theory is used to analyze the structure, development, and context of human activities.

Core Concepts

Activity theory is based on several core concepts:

Activity

An activity is a system of actions directed towards a specific goal or objective. It is the basic unit of analysis in activity theory. Activities are driven by motives and are realized through actions and operations.

Subject

The subject is the individual or group engaged in the activity. The subject interacts with the object of the activity to achieve a desired outcome.

Object

The object is the target or goal of the activity. It is what the subject is working towards and is transformed into an outcome through the activity.

Tools

Tools are the mediating artifacts used by the subject to interact with the object. They can be physical tools, such as instruments or machines, or symbolic tools, such as language or signs.

Community

The community consists of all individuals or groups who share the same general object and are involved in the activity. The community provides the social context for the activity.

Rules

Rules are the norms, conventions, and regulations that govern the actions within the activity. They shape how the subject interacts with the object and the community.

Division of Labor

The division of labor refers to the distribution of tasks and responsibilities among the members of the community. It defines the roles and contributions of each participant in the activity.

Activity System

An activity system is a network of these components (subject, object, tools, community, rules, and division of labor) that interact to produce an outcome. The diagram of an activity system illustrates how these elements are interconnected and how they influence each other.

Applications

Activity theory has been applied in various fields, including education, human-computer interaction, organizational studies, and developmental psychology. It provides a framework for analyzing complex human practices and understanding the dynamic nature of human activities.

Related Pages

• Lev Vygotsky
• Alexei Leontiev
• Cultural-historical psychology
• Human-computer interaction