Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 11:00:55 -0400
From: Paul Marsden <PMarsden@compuserve.com>
Subject: re:Introduction
To: "memetics@mmu.ac.uk" <memetics@mmu.ac.uk>
I've just had time to read Dave Gross' initial posting to the memetics
list, and I echo his suggestion that it would perhaps be productive if
members were to introduce themselves, as I suspect that there is a lot of=
potential synergy be found between our research/musings/ideas etc.
I am Paul Marsden, a social pyschologist at the Graduate Research Centre=
in the Social Sciences (GRCISS) at Sussex University (UK). The objective=
of my current research is to develop a non-homuncular (read memetic)
theory of persuasion - attitude/belief/value appropriation for social
psychology, and to outline how such an account would differ from standard=
cognitivist/constructivist theories. Empirically I am looking at the
spread of a particularly voracious virus/meme-complex : The Scientology
Belief Structure focusing not only on the epidemiology of the virus, but
also trying to identify more generally what makes a meme (complex)
attractive/infectious.
Any pointers or advice for either the theoretical or empirical part of my=
research would be more than welcome.
Ultimately I would like to see memetics integrated into mainstream socia=
l
psychology, and whilst (at Sussex at least) this is a long way off, I thi=
nk
the JOM and discussion groups such as these will help memetics achieve
the critical mass necessary for such a paradigm shift. So, like David, I=
am very keen for this forum to be a success, and I'm looking forward to
hearing about and discussing the various memetic research projects
currently underway.
PMarsden@compuserve.com or P.Marsden@sussex.ac.uk
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