Expectation states theory- understanding social influence theory

water color - study of face ( pratyush)

The "expectation theory of social influence" primarily refers to Expectation States Theory (EST), a prominent social psychological framework developed by Joseph Berger and his colleagues. It's not a single "theory of social influence" in the broadest sense, but rather a focused theory explaining how expectations of competence lead to the formation of status hierarchies and influence within small, task-oriented groups.

 Theory:

Core Premise:

EST posits that in small groups working on a collective task, individuals quickly form performance expectations about themselves and others regarding who will be most competent and contribute best to the task. These expectations then influence interaction patterns, leading to the emergence of a status hierarchy within the group, where those with higher expectations for competence tend to have more influence, participate more, and are evaluated more positively.

How Expectations Form (Two Main Paths):

Specific Status Characteristics: These are characteristics directly related to the task or context. For example, in a medical team, a doctor's medical degree and experience are specific status characteristics that would lead to high performance expectations.

Diffuse Status Characteristics: These are general social characteristics that are not directly related to the task but carry widely shared cultural beliefs about competence and worth. Examples include:

   a) Gender: In many societies, men are often (implicitly or explicitly) expected to be more competent in certain technical or leadership roles, even if no objective difference exists.

   b) Race/Ethnicity: Similar to gender, stereotypes associated with racial or ethnic groups can lead to differential expectations.

   c) Age: Older individuals might be expected to have more wisdom or experience, while younger individuals might be seen as more innovative in certain contexts.

   d) Education Level, Physical Attractiveness, Socioeconomic Status: These can also function as diffuse status characteristics.

The theory suggests that even when specific status characteristics are not present or are ambiguous, diffuse status characteristics come into play, shaping initial expectations. Mechanisms and Consequences:

Once performance expectations are formed, they influence group interaction in several ways:

 i)Participation Opportunities: Individuals with higher performance expectations are given more opportunities to speak, contribute ideas, and make decisions.

 ii) Influence Attempts: They are more likely to initiate influence attempts (e.g., offer suggestions, try to persuade others).

 iii) Acceptance of Influence: Their ideas and suggestions are more readily accepted by others, even if the content is objectively the same as an idea from someone with lower status.

 iv) Evaluation of Performance: Their contributions are evaluated more positively, and their mistakes are often overlooked or attributed to external factors, while those of lower status are scrutinized more heavily.

 v) Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: The process can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Individuals who are expected to be competent behave in ways that confirm those expectations, and those expected to be less competent may withdraw or contribute less, thus confirming lower expectations.

Why EST Matters:

 1) Explains Inequality: EST is crucial for understanding how social inequalities based on diffuse status characteristics (like gender, race) are reproduced and perpetuated in everyday interactions, even in seemingly egalitarian groups. It highlights how unconscious biases rooted in societal beliefs about status translate into differential treatment and influence.

 2) Focus on Micro-Interactions: It provides a micro-level explanation for macro-level social phenomena, showing how small group dynamics contribute to broader social stratification.

 3) Testable Propositions: EST is a highly formalized and empirically tested theory, with numerous studies supporting its propositions.

 While "expectation theory of social influence" might sound general, it most specifically points to Expectation States Theory, which unpacks how our expectations about others' competence, often based on their social characteristics, profoundly shape who influences whom in group settings.

From the course material of ' Advanced Social Psychology ' IGNOU. Material support taken from web resources.

Pratyush Chaudhuri 

Follies and fatal flaws' - chapter review

In the chapter "Follies and Fatal Flaws" from Francisco J. Ayala's book Darwin's Gift to Science and Religion, Ayala addresses the theological problem of theodicy—the reconciliation of a benevolent and omnipotent God with the existence of evil and suffering in the world.

Ayala argues that Darwin's theory of natural selection provides a "gift" to religion by offering a solution to this long-standing dilemma. He posits that natural phenomena often perceived as "evil" or "cruel," such as predators consuming prey alive, diseases, or genetic imperfections, are not the direct result of a divine plan. Instead, these are consequences of the natural, trial-and-error processes of evolution and natural selection.

By explaining these "imperfections" through natural processes, Ayala suggests that God is absolved of direct responsibility for the physical evils in the world. This perspective allows for a harmonious view where evolutionary mechanisms are seen as consistent with religious belief, rather than contradictory. The chapter emphasizes that evolution can be understood as "theology's disguised friend," offering a framework to understand natural hardships within a theological context.

Reading this book was different in many ways. Firstly , I bought this book misunderstanding it to be another famous collection of lectures on evolutionary science by a similar name. Initially I was heart broken with the nature of content- because either I knew much of it from my readings of evolutionary sciences or because of its religious inclination. Secondly , I was impressed about the nature of the arguments laying a reconciliatory path between evolutionary science and religion, both of which deal with the dynamics of humanity. And lastly because of the authors plight related to the effort he made and condemnation givent to him in return by society. Only after a second reading and assistance taken from various contributors ( mentioned in the reference) I was able to cognise the content better. 

This book is not a regular read but good for those among us who wish to reveal to our selves more about the compatibility of theodicy and human science.

Reference:

1. Darwin's Gift to Science and Religion by Francisco J. Ayala - PhilArchive

2. Darwin's Gift To Science and Religion, Francisco Ayala

3. Darwin's Gift to Science and Religion by Francisco J. Ayala - ResearchGate

Mesmerizing Wilderness

.    Photograph - Dr Yogita Chaudhuri (2025)

The image is very erri yet captivating vertical panorama of a forest path, shrouded in a mystical veil of mist. It feels cold and  immediately transports the viewer into a realm that feels ancient, serene, and slightly mysterious, inviting contemplation and a sense of wonder. The towering trees that pierce the misty canopy and their trunks, dark and sturdy, stretch upwards, some disappearing into the opaque white haze, while others are silhouetted against the diffused light. The branches, particularly in the mid-ground, are laden with a soft, ethereal fog, giving the impression of spectral figures or delicate, frosted artworks. The varying heights and girths of the trees suggest a mature, perhaps old-growth, forest, hinting at centuries of quiet existence. Their foliage, though indistinct due to the mist, appears dense and verdant, contributing to the overall sense of mysteriousness.

The wet winding path, the "focal point" of the journey, cuts through the lower half of the frame, guiding the eye deeper into the sylvan embrace. This path is not smooth, it's a rugged trail composed of earth, scattered leaves, and prominent rocks, indicating a natural, unpaved route. The texture of the ground suggests it's a well-trodden, yet wild, passage, perhaps used by hikers or local inhabitants exploring the depths of this misty wilderness. On the right side of the path, patches of vibrant green moss and grasses cling to the rocks and earth, a testament to the damp, fertile environment. A splash of red on a rock near the bottom right corner, which I noted late during the inspection, adds a subtle, almost clandestine, human mark to the otherwise untouched natural landscape, perhaps a trail marker.

The lighting in the photograph is extraordinary, well controlled by the pervasive mist. There are no harsh shadows or direct sunlight; instead, everything is bathed in a soft, even glow. This diffused light lends an otherworldly quality to the scene, creating smooth transition between foreground and background, and a sense of infinite depth. The mist itself acts as a natural filter, muting colors and enhancing the textures of the trees and rocks. It evokes a feeling of quiet solitude, as if the forest is holding its breath, and every sound would be muffled by the thick, damp air.

The overall feeling conveyed by the image is one of tranquility and introspection. It's the kind of place where, some say, one might seek refuge from the clamor of the modern world, to find peace and reconnect with nature. The tall trees, almost like silent sentinels, exude a sense of permanence and wisdom. The winding path invites exploration, promising discoveries further along its unseen curves. Despite the subtle visual obstruction of the mist, there's no sense of danger or foreboding; rather, it’s an atmosphere of peaceful seclusion and natural beauty. The image has  captured a moment of raw, untamed nature, untouched by overt human interference, offering a glimpse into a serenity of nature.

One of the many wonderful pictures taken by Dr Yogita Chaudhuri during her tracks to the Himalayas.

Pratyush Chaudhuri 

A Revisionist History of the Ramayana: A Sri Lankan Perspective

The tale of Rama and Ravana, often presented as a mythological struggle between divine good and demonic evil, holds a vastly different significance in Sri Lankan understanding. Far from being a fantastical myth, it's considered a historical record of political intrigue, advanced ancient technology, and human conflict on an epic scale. The figures within this narrative, like Ravana himself, were not gods or demons, but powerful kings and individuals who shaped a significant era.

Ravana was a  visionary emperor of atalanka.

Central to this revised history is Ravana, not as a villain, but as a highly educated and ambitious ruler. Born in Seethawaka, a place in Sri Lanka named after Seetha, Ravana was a descendant of the "Sun Generation" or "Sooryawansha," indicated by his name where "Ra" signifies Sun/Solar and "Avana" denotes descending. His lineage traces back to Pulasthi, whose monument can still be found in Anuradhapura, the political heart of his time. The language of the time was brahmi in Srilanka.

One of the visit site in srilanka related to the mighty Ravana ( picture - web pages Wanderon)

Ravana’s formative years were marked by a deep understanding of past global conflicts and the devastation they wrought, including the demise of his great-grandfather and countless human lives. This ignited in him a profound vision: to unite humanity as "ONE" nation – an "ALL-UNITED" concept he termed "SWASTHIKA" (from "SWA" meaning "all/everyone"). His ambition was to connect all eight corners of the world, creating a formidable force to repel future attacks from external powers like Indra, who had previously plundered the Asura empire. He even devised a symbol for this unification, reflecting his vision to connect all eight sides of the world.

Unification and Expansion of the Empire

Ravana’s ambitious plan began with strategic marital alliances. He and his younger brother, Ahiravana, married princesses from the Maya Kingdom (Pathalaya), a technologically advanced realm situated on the exact opposite side of the planet from Lanka's political center. This geographical advantage, with its vast mountain range, offered a crucial strategic location for stationing fighter-ships, providing a blind spot to Lanka's main political hub and allowing for rapid deployment against any invasion.

Following these alliances, Ravana embarked on a campaign of unification. Many kingdoms, sharing his desire to stand against Indra, joined him willingly through diplomacy. Others, resistant to his vision, were conquered by his massive army and fleets of air-ships. From the original four Asura kingdoms, known in Lankan culture as "Siv-Sinhalaya" (Four Sinhalese Races: Brahma, Yakkha, Rakshasa, Naaga), Ravana expanded his influence, creating four more major kingdoms, culminating in the "Atalanka" empire – the Eight Lankas. This unification, symbolized by his Swasthika Wheel emblem, earned him the title of "Chakrawarthi" – the Wheel King, or Emperor of the Human World.

The Controversial Birth of Seetha (Sita) and the War with Indra continues to be a matter of literary debate with multiple version and criticism prevalent (According to three versions of Ramayana – Gunabhadra’s Uttara Purana, Sanghadasa’s Jaina Ramayana, and Adbhuta Ramayana, Sita was the daughter of Ravana and his wife Mandodari.)*1 During the period of consolidation of his kingdom, a significant, and controversial, event occurred. Ravana and his wife, Madradori, had a female firstborn. In a society where a male heir was paramount for succession, this presented an ethical challenge for a fair and righteous king. Consequently, their daughter was secretly sent to the North-Eastern Kingdom and raised as Seetha. This is in contrast to Ramayana as is told by valmiki where the child is abandoned in a field. Again, in chitra Banerjee's forest of enchantments, it is suggested that she was to be killed as planned by Ravan but Mandodari manages to save the child by bribing the yaksh who was to carry out the order. According to the Sri Lankan version, the righteous Ravana was always aware about the child's location and foster parents.

After decades of preparation, Ravana led the largest human army ever assembled into the INDRA-WORLD, where his firstborn son, MEGA (Megananda), spearheaded the assault. Mega not only defeated Indra's forces but also captured Indra himself, bringing him back alive. It's said that Mega used a weapon that rendered the INDRA-WORLD lifeless, preventing any future Indra kings from establishing a kingdom there.

The Seeds of Conflict with Rama has been mentioned differently in the srilankan version. Despite achieving global peace and being revered as an emperor, Ravana's legacy was complicated. His history of warfare, the diversity of languages within his empire (Brahmi vs. Sanskrit), and his divergence from traditional Sanskrit religious practices created resentment, particularly among the Chandrawanshi communities. Rama, a young and determined prince, deeply resented foreign rule under Ravana's empire. His rebellions led to his banishment by his father, Dasharatha, a provincial king under Ravana. Dasharatha, granted the honorific "Sooryawanshi" by Ravana, made this difficult decision to save his family from the dire consequences of rebellion. Ravana, in a shift from aggression to politics, even encouraged intermarriage between Lankan and Chandrawanshi families to foster unity.

However, Rama and his brother continued their rebellion. A pivotal incident occurred when a provincial ruler in southern India, whose territory belonged to Ravana's sister Suparnaka, was murdered. When Suparnaka intervened, she was abused and had her nose and ear cut, escalating tensions.

In a highly controversial move, Ravana, with only his personal battalion, took Seetha back to Lanka. This action, seen as an insult to Sanskrit cultural traditions and a potential trigger for conflict, was met with strong opposition from both his commander Vibhishana and his wife Madradori. Madradori, acting as a mother, was concerned for Seetha, while Vibhishana, focused on the stability of the empire, believed Ravana had grown "soft" and feared a civil war.

 Rama, driven by love and agony, assembled a colossal army to invade Lanka.

Upon the army's entry via the bridge, Vibhishana launched a strategic attack on Ravana's reserve army, creating chaos and a crucial distraction. During this final phase of the war, Vibhishana's forces won numerous battles, while Ravana secured only one victory. In the climactic moments, Vibhishana joined forces with Laxman's troops ( I was not able to find a reason for his shit in alliance), allowing Rama and his army to penetrate the seemingly impregnable Alakamandawa (modern-day Sigiriya), where Seetha was held.The conflict escalated into a massive war. Vibhishana, believing Ravana was no longer fit to rule, ultimately sided with the rebellion. He actively transported ships and weapons to the Sanskrit forces, effectively undermining his brother's empire. To this day, the area where Rama's armies camped is known as "RAMA VANAYA" (The Forest of Rama).*2

Reference:

1. https://detechter.com/was-sita-a-daughter-of-ravana/

2. https://www.quora.com/Was-Sita-a-daughter-of-Ravana/answer/Niman-Pra?ch=10&oid=124551041&share=605ad818&srid=uf7mi&target_type=answer

My Inspiration

'The Victim Is Always the Same' by I.S. Cooper is a compelling non-fiction drama that delves into the groundbreaking and controversial world of radical brain surgery in the early 1970s. The narrative centers on two young girls afflicted with dystonia musculorum deformans, a debilitating and disfiguring neurological disorder causing involuntary, twisting movements and contortions of the body.

Faced with a grim prognosis and a drastically diminishing quality of life for their daughters, the parents turn to Dr. Irving S. Cooper, a pioneering neurosurgeon known for his audacious and experimental surgical techniques. The book meticulously chronicles the agonizing journey of these families as they grapple with the immense hope and terrifying risks associated with Dr. Cooper's proposed radical brain operation. This surgery aimed to alleviate the severe symptoms by targeting specific areas of the brain believed to be responsible for the uncontrollable movements.

Cooper vividly portrays the emotional turmoil of the parents, the resilience of the young patients, and the intricate ethical and medical challenges inherent in such innovative procedures. He provides a detailed, yet accessible, account of the surgical process, highlighting the delicate precision required and the profound implications of altering the human brain. The narrative doesn't shy away from the uncertainties and potential complications, offering a balanced perspective on the experimental nature of the treatment.

Beyond the immediate medical crisis, the book explores broader themes of hope, desperation, the evolving frontiers of medical science, and the profound bond between families facing extraordinary adversity. It raises questions about the limits of medical intervention, the definition of quality of life, and the courage required to embrace the unknown in the face of unbearable suffering. Through the intimate stories of these two young girls and their families, 'The Victim Is Always the Same' becomes a powerful testament to the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of healing, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

Sacrifice of data- philosophical note

I spent today morning reading the nature of non parametric tests and came across the phrase ' data sacrifice '. The revlevant section was related to the Mann Whitney 'U' test. Data, in the realm of statistical studies, is often seen as the raw material, the objective input from which insights are extracted (1). Yet, beneath this seemingly neutral facade lies a profound and often overlooked philosophical dimension: the sacrifice of data. This "sacrifice" manifests in several ways, each raising significant ethical and epistemological questions.

Firstly, there is the sacrifice of individual detail for aggregate truth. Statistical methods, by their very nature, seek patterns, trends, and generalizations (2 for the rhtorics only). To achieve this, individual data points are often stripped of their unique context and reduced to mere numerical values. The rich tapestry of a person's lived experience, a specific event's nuances, or a particular observation's idiosyncrasies are subsumed into categories, averages, and distributions. What is gained is a broader understanding of a population or phenomenon; what is lost is the specific, the particular, the irreplicable. This raises questions about the very nature of truth in statistical inquiry: is it a truth of the many, attained by sacrificing the truth of the one?

Secondly, there is the sacrifice of completeness for manageability and focus. No statistical study can capture every single variable, every possible interaction, or every minute detail. Researchers, constrained by resources, time, and the very limits of human comprehension, must make deliberate choices about what data to collect and what to exclude. This exclusion is a form of sacrifice. Data deemed irrelevant, redundant, or too difficult to measure are left behind, potentially forever. While necessary for practical reasons, this act of selection shapes the conclusions that can be drawn. It highlights the inherent subjectivity in seemingly objective data collection, as the researcher's framework and assumptions dictate what is deemed "worthy" of inclusion.

Thirdly, the sacrifice of raw, unadulterated information for structured, measurable variables is a crucial aspect. Qualitative data, rich in narrative and depth, often undergoes a process of coding, categorization, and quantification to be amenable to statistical analysis (3 rhetorics only). This transformation, while enabling comparisons and calculations, inevitably involves a reduction of complexity. The full spectrum of meaning embedded in a verbatim response or an ethnographic observation can be lost when translated into a numerical scale or a limited set of categories. This sacrifice is a trade-off: precision in measurement is gained, but often at the expense of capturing the full richness and ambiguity of human experience or natural phenomena.

Finally, there's the more subtle, almost unnoticed, sacrifice of potential future insights. When data is collected for a specific purpose and analyzed through a particular lens, alternative interpretations or future research questions that might arise from that same data, but weren't initially considered, might be foreclosed. The way data is structured and stored, the variables chosen, and the initial hypotheses formed can inadvertently limit the scope of future inquiry. This "foreclosure" is a sacrifice of the unknown, of possibilities that might only become apparent with different theoretical frameworks or analytical tools.

In conclusion, the sacrifice of data during statistical studies is not a mere technical necessity but a profound philosophical act with ethical and epistemological implications. It underscores the constructed nature of statistical knowledge, the inherent trade-offs involved in abstracting from reality, and the powerful, yet often invisible, hand of the researcher in shaping the "truth" that emerges. Acknowledging these sacrifices invites a more critical and reflective engagement with statistical findings, reminding us that every number tells a story, but also that every story told by numbers has had to shed some of its original complexity to be heard.

Reference 

1. https://adata.pro/blog/the-difference-between-data-information-and-insight/?hl=en-US

2. https://www.trebas.com/news-and-blogs/blogs/how-do-data-analysts-discover-meaningful-patterns-in-data?hl=en-US

3. https://getthematic.com/insights/

qualitative-data-analysis/?hl=en-US

The Yogurt Maker. Chapter 12 - notes from the code breaker.

A very routine need may often lead to path for a great discovery. Chapter 12 describes the accidental discovery of the first gene editing concept comming from an Yogurt  industry which had the ingredients of curiosity driven development. Rodolphe B and Philippe H are the stars in this chapter and for a while it was appearing as if Doundua would no longer be required. It was certainly am amazing piece of contribution on part of the two industry based scientist with an intention to make better yogurt producing bacteria. 

The author starts the chapter by introducing the idea of ' linear model of innovation ' and basic research. And eventually he prove the presence of exceptions. This bit of important contribution was a lateral stream , powered by an alternate purpose and located far from the academic mainstream. there was enough mention of the extent of engagement by the two scientist which did not discount the notion of dedication on behalf of the two. Early publication of results preceded by hectic scientific data collection were crucial to the development of intuitive science. It is not intuitive mind alone that can bring proof to the table. It has to backed by positively made effort to prove the method and the matter in a time bound schedule. Rodolphe and Philippe collected and correlated historical data , which was available at the Danisco laboratory and was able to demonstrate that each virus attack was followed by lengthening of the DNA and development of immunity in the bacterial cells. The bacteria was editing its own genome and passing it to generations ahead. It was a novel concepts and thrilling to the curious mind. 

The author further describes the origin of the CRISPR meetings and the initiation of conventions in nomenclature. The chapter then introduces an element of surprise by introducing a controversy - the cas system operates on the DNA- a matter which was rigousrly proven by Sontheimer and Marraffini from the UCLA. It was not a twist but a statement of truth which necessitates the revision of many ideas about how the process was working. 

The chapter intend to convey ideas of lateral thinking minds , nonlinearity of research and need to pursue contextual updates in research since the earlier the lateral streams join in strongershall the flow be. 

Pratyush Chaudhuri