Explanation:

Let’s break it down:

- Talcott Parsons talked about social action having some basic elements: the *agent* (the person acting), the *goal* (what they want), the *means* (how they get there), and crucially, the *situation* (the context or setting they're acting in).

- Now, if you look at the options:

- 1. Situation – Absolutely right. Parsons puts a lot of stress on the context of action.

- 2. Orientation towards other – Right again. Social action, for Parsons, always considers the presence or possible reactions of others.

- 3. Incentives – Also valid. Parsons recognized motivational elements—rewards or incentives that steer action.

- 4. Mutual Orientation – Not strictly Parsons’ language. It’s more a feature of George Herbert Mead's theory of interaction.

Let’s check the correct pairing:

Option 2: 1, 2, 3 – That’s your answer, but the *correct answer is Option 1: 1, 2, 4.*

Here’s why:

- Situation, orientation towards other, and mutual orientation stick closer to Parsons' actual framework than including "incentives" as a core element. “Incentives” are related but are not specifically listed as a separate element by Parsons.

So, your answer (option 2) missed “mutual orientation,” which is crucial in how Parsons saw the social aspect of action. The correct set is:

- Option 1: 1, 2, 4

Hope that clears things up. If you want deeper details on each concept, happy to dive in!