Social cognitive theory vs social cognitive perspective

[yjj8817]

Are these pretty much same thing?

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[mcatjelly]

Yep.

 

[basophilic]

Yep.

So theory and perspective are similar in meaning in social cognitive realm. But is this true in general? E.g. What about in globalization theories vs. globalization perspectives? There are like >3 separate ones in each.

 

[mcatjelly]

Not entirely sure what you're referring to... a perspective is essentially the application of a theory. If you believe in X theory, it's going to influence your perspective in X way.

 

[basophilic]

Not entirely sure what you're referring to... a perspective is essentially the application of a theory. If you believe in X theory, it's going to influence your perspective in X way.

So in case of globalization, are globalization perspectives (e.g. hyperglobalist, skeptical, etc.) applications of globalization theories (e.g. world-systems, dependency, etc.)?

 

[mcatjelly]

Prep books for the social sciences often categorize various concepts and terms in different ways that don't always make sense. I think you're making this a little more black and white than it needs to be. A perspective is the equivalent of the lens through which one views the world. A theory is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. Don't worry about which is a perspective vs. a theory and which perspectives are a result of which theories; it's neither important nor practical. Just be able to apply each perspective or theory to a real-world situation.