Toiminnanmoninaisuus

Toiminnanmoninaisuus, also known as "activity theory" or "activity theory of mind," is a psychological theory that emphasizes the role of activity and interaction in the development of human consciousness and cognition. It was developed by Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky and further elaborated by his students and colleagues, including Alexei Leontiev and Anatoly Luria.

The core idea of toiminnanmoninaisuus is that human activity is the fundamental unit of analysis in understanding the mind. It posits that human beings are active participants in their environment, constantly engaged in various activities that shape their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These activities are not isolated but are interconnected and hierarchical, forming a system of activities.

The theory distinguishes between three levels of activity: activity, action, and operation. Activity is the highest level, involving conscious planning and goal-directed behavior. Action is a more automatic level, involving habitual patterns of behavior. Operation is the lowest level, involving unconscious mental processes that support action.

Toiminnanmoninaisuus also emphasizes the role of cultural and historical factors in shaping human activity. It posits that human activity is mediated by tools, signs, and symbols, which are themselves products of cultural and historical development. These mediational means not only facilitate activity but also transform it, leading to new forms of activity and new ways of thinking.

The theory has been influential in various fields, including education, psychology, and human-computer interaction. It has been used to analyze and design learning environments, to understand the development of expertise, and to inform the design of interactive technologies. However, it has also been criticized for its emphasis on the role of activity and interaction, which some argue is too narrow and fails to account for other important factors in human cognition.