Following the example of William James, reintroduces purpose into the study of behavior. Explains control theory as a model of systems that produce fixed, intended results in an unpredictable, changing environment, differentiating this process from objective, cause-effect models. Diagrams behavior models. Emphasizes perception's role in the…

Uses a behavior model from control systems theory to analyze how we coordinate our own and each other's physical movements. Tests one person controlling a cursor with one handle or two, and two people controlling a cursor with two handles. Shows that control theory accurately predicts the results. (CH)

Extends control systems theory to analyze purposive collective behaviors, ranging from simple to complex, involving small and large groups. Suggests that complex collective phenomena can be explained as the repetition or combination of individual and collective sequences of action. Posits that control systems theory can be used to elucidate…

Describes the Giffen effect: demand for a commodity increases as price increases. Explains how applying control theory eliminates the paradox that the Giffen effect presents to classic economics supply and demand theory. Notes the differences in how conventional demand theory and control theory treat consumer behavior. (CH)

Experimentally examines reorganization, a fundamental component of William T. Powers' theory of mind based on the control theory of behavior. Attempts to model reorganization, focusing on improvements in performance with practice and how practice influences attention. Speculates how outputs from higher levels of the control hierarchy are involved…

Discusses the nature of control, examining how organisms as control systems sense or monitor the variable being controlled when responding to environmental changes. Argues that learning is the development of control in an attempt to fit the two phenomena central to traditional learning theory--conditioning and reinforcement--into the broader…

Describes two studies involving chimpanzee mother-infant pairs in Tanzania between 1980 and 1987 that implemented control theory concepts. The first identified behavioral development in infant chimps; the second observed the growth of independence and parenting patterns. Concludes that the hierarchy of controlled variables develops consecutively…

Examines ways to apply control theory to the clinical practice of psychology. Offers general methods to assess psychological problems and to facilitate healthful change. Profiles what constitutes mental health from a control systems perspective, emphasizing the control of variables to achieve desired ends. (CH)

Sensitive topics raise issues of ethics, politics, and legal aspects of research. There is concern for participants' rights and groups who may be affected by research. Notes that some argue research funding tends to serve the interests of the powerful by excluding support for research on issues detrimental to their interests. (NL)

Examines how control theorists believe behavior results from individuals' internal standards reacting to environmental change. Argues that this belief requires a new research method, a test for the controlled variable, which seeks variables that do not change with a stimulus. Presents features of William Powers' control theory. Suggests sources of…