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A theory of knowledge positing that a social system is produced and codified through an interactive process -- ie, reality is produced through interaction.

a-true
b-false

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Final answer:

The statement is true; reality is socially constructed through interactive processes. Constructivism and symbolic interactionism support this view, emphasizing reality’s formation through collective meanings of symbols, language, and actions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theory positing that a social system is produced and codified through an interactive process, meaning that reality is produced through interaction, is indeed true. This concept is central to constructivism and symbolic interaction theory. These theories emphasize that our social world and the reality within it are created through social interactions, habits, and collective agreement on the meanings of symbols and gestures.

For instance, the phenomenon of a bank run as explained by Robert K. Merton, showcases how a false belief can lead to real consequences when acted upon by masses, thereby socially constructing that reality. Symbolic interactionists delve into how our interpretations of symbols, such as language and gestures, shape our experiences and reality. An action as simple as interpreting a 'thumbs up' varies across cultures, illustrating our reality's reliance on context-specific symbolic meanings.

Furthermore, media plays a significant role in the social construction of reality by spreading symbols, which leads to shared societal understandings. Whether through the disguising portrayal of characters in a show or the way products are presented to us, they ultimately influence our perceptions and thereby contribute to our social reality.

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