Abstract
The general aim of this research was to investigate the use of the Basic Cognitive Schemes (BCS) model in examining the qualitative vs. quantitative centrality of a social representation’s (SR) core elements. Firstly, we examined the internal structure of the social representation of the European integration (Study 1, N = 71) according to Central Core Theory of the structural approach of social representations. Secondly, we investigated the qualitative vs. quantitative centrality of its core elements (Study 2, N = 106) using the BCS model. The study included young people from Eastern Romania enrolled in a Psychology undergraduate degree. The results permitted the identification of the elements defining the internal structure of the SR of the European integration among young Romanians. We identified five central elements with prescriptive functions (i.e., mobility, unity, opportunity, European funds, and civilization). Furthermore, after checking their qualitative and quantitative centrality using the BCS model, only three of them were confirmed as both qualitatively and quantitatively central. Thus, the results also underlined the importance of the BSC model in better understanding the relationships between the SR’s internal elements. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 351-367 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Journal of Social and Political Psychology |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 29 Apr 2020 |
Keywords
- Basic Cognitive Schemes model
- Central Core Theory
- European integration
- Qualitative and quantitative centrality
- Social representations
- Structural approach
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Applied Psychology
- Sociology and Political Science