Search the World's Largest Database of Information Science & Technology Terms & Definitions
InfInfoScipedia LogoScipedia
A Free Service of IGI Global Publishing House
Below please find a list of definitions for the term that
you selected from multiple scholarly research resources.

What is Activity System and Activity

Chapter 25
Handbook of Research on Contemporary Theoretical Models in Information Systems
An activity system is a collective formation with a complex mediational structure that serves as the primary unit of analysis in cultural historical activity theory. An activity is the engagement of individuals toward a certain goal or objective. Activities are not short-lived events or actions; rather, activities ‘are systems that produce events and actions and evolve over lengthy periods of sociohistorical time’ (Engeström 1987).
Published in Chapter:
Cultural Historical Activity Theory
Faraja Teddy Igira (University of Oslo, Norway) and Judith Gregory (Institute of Design, USA)
Copyright: © 2009 |Pages: 21
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-659-4.ch025
Abstract
This chapter reviews the origins, approaches and roles associated with the use of cultural historical activity theory (CHAT) in information systems (IS) research. The literature is reviewed and examples are discussed from IS and related fields of human-computer interaction (HCI), computer supported cooperative work (CSCW) and computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL), to illustrate the power of CHAT in IS research as well as its link to appropriate research methods. After explicating the value of its use, the chapter concludes by discussing theoretical and methodological implications of applications of CHAT in examining real-world problems in IS research.
Full Text Chapter Download: US $37.50 Add to Cart
eContent Pro Discount Banner
InfoSci OnDemandECP Editorial ServicesAGOSR