How does field theory deal with motivation and with social psychology? What is social action research?
Field theory in psychology refers to, interaction patterns between an individual and their environment. This theory was developed by Kurt Lewin. Lewin being a psychologist was also trained in physics. Thus, the field theory in psychology reflects the concepts of physics.
Lewin’s training in physics led him to develop the concept of Field Theory. He proposed that psychological activity of a person occurs within the scope of his/her psychological field. This psychological field was referred to as the life space. The life space includes all the experiences of the past, present, and future, which affect an individual.
These experiences influence the behavior of a person. The life space includes the individual’s needs in interacting with the psychological environment. In social psychological studies carried out by Lewin, he demonstrated the application of his field theory. He applied his concepts to individual as well as group behavior. The social field in a group was analogous to what psychological field was with respect to an individual.
Lewin demonstrated effect of the social field in an individual’s development. He carried out studies on different groups of boys. Each group was subjected to a different leadership style. The leaderships involved were that of authoritarian, laissez-faire, and democratic styles. The studies showed that boys in the democratic group were friendly, and succeeded in completing more number of tasks.
The various dynamics in a group influence an individual’s behavior. The behavior studies were carried out in different social conditions. This led to the social action research studies. His action research was aimed at both identification of an issue, and working on improving the same. This research was characterized by involvement of the target population.
One such action research conducted by Lewin addressed the racial issue. He carried out studies on the various aspects of community, the social field. He took in view the issues, such as employment, housing, prejudice in children. As a result of his research, such issues transformed into controlled research studies. Action research combines applied, and basic research.It yields considerable benefits, for both society and academics.