What is script theory?

Script theory is a psychological framework that suggests that individuals use pre-existing mental templates or "scripts" to interpret and respond to the world around them. These scripts are sets of expectations or rules that guide behavior in social situations and are based on previous experiences and cultural norms.

According to script theory, scripts are developed through personal experiences and can be shaped by media and societal messages. As individuals navigate new situations, they draw on their scripts to help them understand what is expected of them and how to behave. This mental shortcut helps individuals conserve cognitive resources, as they don't need to think through each new situation from scratch.

Script theory has been applied to a wide range of contexts, including communication, education, and healthcare. It has been used to understand how people respond to media messages and how they interpret and respond to interpersonal interactions. It has also been used to develop interventions that target specific scripts to promote behavior change.

Critics of script theory argue that it oversimplifies human behavior and may overlook the role of individual differences and unique contexts in shaping behavior. However, script theory remains a useful framework for understanding why people behave the way they do in certain situations.