Social interdependence: theory and practice

¶ … Social Interdependence

Stanne M. Johnson, D.W. & Johnson, R.T. (1999) Social Interdependence and Performance and Motor Performance: A Meta-Analysis. Psychological Bulletin. 125. 134-154.

Evaluate organization and writing style of author

This article attempts to evaluate the importance of positive forms social interdependence in such psychological factors as building student self-esteem and in creating more effective educational environments for students through the medium of cooperative learning. Firstly, the article attempts to define the concept of social interdependence. Then, it examines how theoretically social interdependence functions within positive and negative fashions, how it may be quantitatively measured in terms of alliances individuals feel towards different social groups, for example, and then why it is an important concept for social scientists and educators and how it may be deployed in cooperative learning situations.

Organizationally, for a theoretical paper the use of definition, statistics, and then specifics is admirable. However, the problem with the writing style is that the authors Stanne, Johnson and Johnson are (1999) are so theoretical in their approach as to what is essentially a humanistic concept, that of social relationships and interdependence, that the text is excessively dry and difficult to apply to the lived reality of human, functional existence in a way that might be useful to educators in, for instance, creating lesson plans. Most educators already make use of some form of 'working in groups' -- how does one deploy this in a fashion to encourage social interdependence? In other words, some more detailed anecdotal examples of the functions of social interdependence would have been helpful, particularly earlier in the paper, when the concept is being defined. The authors' first statistical graph table details the distinction between negative and positive dependence as overviews, but never provides examples as to what these different conceptual hermeneutics may entail. (Stanne, Johnson & Johnson, 1999, 935) Also, there could have been more details provided when contrasting negative forms of dependence, autonomy, and positive forms of social interdependence that still foster an individual's self-esteem and sense of competence within his or her social sphere. Positive interdependence is allied with the achievement of goals and objectives, however, the article is vague as to what such goals and objectives might be, which could span the range from good grades to positive self-esteem.

Identify what you learned about writing an academic paper

The use of data is extremely important in writing a cohesive academic paper, even one that attempts to define something as ephemeral as the sense a child or individual has of interdependence upon others and upon exterior social networks. Stanne, Johnson, and Johnson's use of data is extensive, although at times difficult to apply to his discussion of social interdependence conceptually, because the amount of raw data is so extensive and not thoroughly. A more judicious and pointed use of data that was then theoretically and qualitatively as well as quantitatively analyze would have been helpful.

Evaluate relevancy for identifying and solving educational program or issues

This concept is extremely relevant, as one of the most debated issues in the social sciences is how to foster self-esteem in a truly functional fashion amongst children and also those whom are struggling with issue of fitting into society, such as juvenile delinquents, young individuals caught within the welfare system's cycle of dependence over generations, and students with developmental problems. What makes a particular student successful and another student unsuccessful, when they possess the same cognitive abilities? The idea of 'emotional intelligence' tends to focus too much on the individual student. The idea of social interdependence ideally stresses the need for a cohesive community to foster love and caring and a positive sense of mutual contribution between individuals, as opposed to negative or mutually stultifying systems of dependence that can exist within martial or even friendship bonds, in the adolescent age group particularly.

Present your views regarding the paper (i.e. areas of agreement and disagreement with author)

One must commend the attempt to theoretically quantify and classify such a difficult and ephemeral concept as positive social forms of behavior. The author's stress upon the need for further use of small groups in educational practice, for instance, provides a practical template of behavior for the educator. (Stanne, Johnson & Johnson, 1999, 940) However, merely stressing the need for the positive use of social skills opens up the proverbial 'can of worms' in terms of teaching appropriate moral values to students within educational settings. Although ethics may be an appropriate subject of debate, particularly for older students, and learning to work well with others is a notable objective that educators must keep in mind, the practical application of this and expansion of this into the curriculum still remains vague after reading the article.