STS1411: Introduction to ST&S Test 1 Study Guide

Vocabulary practice flashcards for STS1411 Test 1, covering Modules 1 through 5 as outlined in the study sheet.

Technology as Knowledge

A conceptualization of technology that includes Layton’s Model.

Early histories of science

Histories written to appear reliable and objective, often influenced by the environment of the authors.

Scientific paradigm

A concept developed by Kuhn that defines the framework within which scientists work.

Paradigm shift

A change in the scientific framework that can be caused by specific scientific stressors or discoveries.

Normal science vs. Revolutionary science

The distinction between scientific work within an existing paradigm and work that challenges or changes it.

Demarcation

The criteria used to distinguish science from non-science, which ultimately shows the importance of falsifiability.

Falsifiability

A concept used in conjunction with demarcation to evaluate scientific theories.

Industrial Revolution

A period of rapid technological advancement driven by specific factors with significant direct and downstream effects.

Modernity, Standardization, and Efficiency

Key concepts defining the advancement of technology in the early 20th century.

Professionalization and Gatekeeping

The changes in access to technical knowledge that occurred as machines became more complex.

Community Lost, Community Saved, and Community Liberated

The three arguments answering whether communities are declining or thriving.

Social Capital

A concept relevant to community that has been affected by technologies like TV and the internet.

Networked Individualism

A modern form of social connection identified in studies of social capital.

Co-production of expertise

A term used by Durnova and Cada to describe how expertise is created, which can lead to specific policy decisions and mistrust.

Deficit model of knowing

The underlying worldview about knowledge that drives mistrust in expertise.

Scientization of politics

The process of treating political issues as purely scientific questions.

Politicization of science

The process of applying political values or pressure to scientific research.

Conspiracy theories

Beliefs that serve specific groups and are often connected to scientific critiques or anti-science protests.

Global Trust Inventory

An instrument used to measure levels of trust across different sectors.

Liberal Cosmopolitanism vs. Traditional Values

A distinction made by Cramer regarding traits that pertain to the production of expertise.

Technological Somnambulism

Winner’s concept describing a state where society 'sleepwalks' through technological change.

Innovation

According to Russell and Vinsel, a 'value neutral' ideal that has replaced progress.

Broken World thinking

A perspective that focuses on the reality of infrastructure failure and the need for maintenance.

Myth of moral neutrality

The idea that technology is not a neutral tool but can embody moral and political values.

Luddites

An historical group representing resistance to technology that remains relevant to modern critiques.

Mediated Communication

Communication that takes place through a medium rather than face-to-face.

Time-bias and Space-bias

Concepts identified by Innis regarding how communication media favor either duration or distance.

Primary Orality vs. Secondary Orality

Ong's distinction between purely oral cultures and the orality of the electronic age.

Digital Native, Digital Immigrant, and Digital Divide

Terms used to categorize degrees of access to and comfort with digital technology.

Presentation of Self (Actual, Ideal, Ought-to-be)

The different ways individuals represent themselves in online environments.

Disinhibition effect

The tendency for people to behave differently online than they would in person.

Context collapse

An online phenomenon where different social spheres collide into a single audience.