According to Wertsch(1998), in his book, Mind as action, in studying the action or reaction of a person, there are five elements to consider. The first one refers to the incident that happened or the "act". The "scene" on one hand refers to the environment the action that occurred. The one who made the "act" is called the "agent" and the paraphernalia used by the "agent" refers to the "agency". Lastly, purpose is the component that answers the question why the agent did it.
Wertsch(1998) focused on analyzing "mediated actions" which denotes to the human-to-mediator relationships. These mediators refers the "cultural tools" such as facts about the past, society and shared beliefs that help a person decide on what to do.
"Mediated actions" can be characterized as complex in terms of the "agent" and "mediational means" relationship. One's action at most times, could never be done without the person and "mediator". An analogy of a person surfing for instance, would mean that there is a person involved and a surfing board. Without the other, a person could not surf nor a surfing board could move per se and surf. Another characteristic of "mediated actions" is that it can have may motives. For example, the purpose of practicing biking is to be skilled at it. But aside from that, impressing friends or wanting the feeling of contentment may also be inspirations in practicing. (Wertsch, 1998)
Sources:
Wertsch, J. (1998). Minds as action. New York, NY: Oxford University
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