What is the difference between the contagion theory and the convergence theory?

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Social Studies

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13 May, 18:31

What is the difference between the contagion theory and the convergence theory?

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Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Emerson Adams · Answer 1

Answer:One deals with how people are affected by a crowd, and the other deals with how people actively drive a crowd's behavior. APEX

Helena Berger · Answer 2

The Contagion Theory is seen as the opposite of the Convergence Theory in the psychology of crowd behavior, and whether the origins of the actions within the group stem from either an individual or a collective.

Explanation:

The Contagion Theory delves into how the behavior of a crowd can affect the actions of individuals within the group. An example of the contagion theory would be the "lynch mob mentality" wherein a mass of people are excited to hurt a person/people and the energy and excitement spreads.

The Convergence Theory states that a crowds behavior is dependent upon the individuals who make up the group. It is alleged that one is attracted to a group in convergence theory subconsciously and that the individuals bring in ideals, feelings, desires, and tendencies to drive the groups thoughts and/or actions.