In trying to understand the evacuation during the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, B. E. Aguirre, Dennis Wenger, and Gabriela Vigo argue that the more "the search for meaning in the milling process focuses upon defining the situation as serious, the quicker should be the mobilization of people and the initiation of collective behavior." What type of theory are they using to make this prediction?
A) technological determinism
B) emergent norm theory
C) contagion theory
D) cultural diffusion

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement is in line with emergent norm theory, which suggests that people in crowds can create their own norms and rules of behavior in response to a perceived crisis or threat. The authors argue that the more people perceive the situation as serious, the more likely they are to quickly mobilize and collectively behave according to these emergent norms. Technological determinism, contagion theory, and cultural diffusion are not relevant to this specific prediction.

In Trying to Understand the Evacuation During the 1993 Bombing