系列再生法:实验模拟文化动态(英文)

Serial Reproduction:An Experimental Simulation of Cultural Dynamics

系列再生法是一种用来探讨文化动态中的社会心理过程之实验方法。所谓文化动态是指文化如何形成、维持,以及如何随着时间而变化。此方法特别有利于以下研究:文化讯息是如何透过社会网络被传播、什么类型的文化讯息较可能透过社会网络被传播,以及文化讯息由一个人传到另一个人的过程中,是如何转化的。本文概述了系列再生实验方法的优点及缺点,讨论此方法的理论架构,并举例展诉如何有系统地应用此法,做有关文化刻板印象的研究。最后,本文讨论未来的研究方向,如文化动态的潜在文化差异,以及文化动态与社会网络之间的互动过程。

The method of serial reproduction is an experimental method by which to investigate social psychological processes involved in cultural dynamics, namely, the formation, maintenance and transformation of culture over time. In particular, it is useful for examining how cultural information is transmitted through social networks, what type of cultural information is likely to diffuse through social networks, and how it is transformed as it travels from one person to another. This paper outlines its methodological strengths and weaknesses, discusses the theoretical framework in which the method is embedded, and outlines an example of its systematic use in a research program about cultural stereotypes. Finally, the paper concludes with discussions about future research directions with regard to potential cultural differences in cultural dynamics as well as interaction between cultural dynamics and social network processes.