摘要：The basic tenet of the central core theory (also called structural theory/approach tosocial representations) is to consider that, among the overall set of cognitive elements whichmake up a representation, certain elements play a different role than others. These elements,called central elements, form a structure named by Abric the “core nucleus”. This internalstructure of representations achieves two essential functions: “(a) a meaning making function(…) and (b) an organisational function” (Rateau, Moliner, Guimelli, & Abric, 2012, p. 484).Jean-Claude Abric’s work also allowed for the development and spreading of an experimentalapproach to social representations. He was the first to provide experimental empirical support forthe regulating role of representations in real interaction situations (Abric & Kahan, 1972). Hisresearch, drawing upon game theory paradigms (i.e. prisoner’s dilemma), aimed at demonstratingthat individual or group behavior is determined by representations of situation, partner or task,and not their objective properties per say (Abric, 1987, 1989). Those who knew Jean-Claude willremember his interest in gambling was not only a pretext for studying social behavior and theirpsychosocial determinants, but also was an opportunity for him to work in a field he specificallycherished (Abric, 2001b).
