Assignment 3: Short-answer questions In Brief This assignment is worth 20% of your final grade for the unit. You will write brief responses to the following questions, totalling 1500 word (Postgrads: 1800 words max). These answers are meant to collectively highlight your understanding of the differences between technological determinism, the theory of the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT), and Actor-Network Theory (ANT), and help you develop your own perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of each theory for understanding the relationship between technological innovation and social change. Approximate word lengths for each response are provided below, with a total of 1500 (1800 for postgrads) words.
Questions
⚫ What is technological determinism (TD)? Give a brief overview of approximately 200 words.
⚫ What is SCOT? Give a brief overview of approximately 200 words.
⚫ What is ANT? Give a brief overview of approximately 200 words.
⚫ In relation to one of the case studies you have researched for your A2 Essay, how would you explainthe nature of this case study differently, coming from a perspective that emphasises:-Technological determinism.-EITHER theSocial Construction of Technologies (SCOT theory) OR Actor Network Theory (ANT)? (Justchoose one of either SCOT or ANT to discuss here!) Approximately 450 words.
⚫ Which of these ideas (From TD, ANT, or SCOT) do you find most useful for thinking about your own case study, and/or the relationship between social change and technological innovation more broadly, and why? Approximately 450 words.Criteria for Assessment Your assignment will be marked according to how well your responses:
⚫ Clearly address the questions set;
⚫ Present coherent, brief overviews of the different concepts and theories;
⚫ Engage the reader and effectively communicate;
⚫ Engage critically and meaningfully with relevant unit readings;
⚫ Follow conventions