A catalytic model of collective behavior

The purpose of this thesis was to develop a model of collective behavior based on the process of catalysis that would be descriptive as well as yield testable hypotheses, A review of the past theories in the field revealed that each presented a unique view of collective behavior, but none adequately described the phenomenon in a comprehensive manner. The catalytic model was tendered, based on the symbolic interaction school of thought in sociology. The model was used to describe the events in a religious gathering as well as the generalizations made about riots by the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders. Finally, the Model was used to create a series of hypotheses dealing with collective behavior that can be tested. The viability of the model was said to rest on the researcher's ability to test it,