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The physics of behavioral systems
Author(s) -
Griesinger Donald W.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 0005-7940
DOI - 10.1002/bs.3830190106
Subject(s) - metaphysics , field (mathematics) , probabilistic logic , psychology , epistemology , arousal , cognitive science , cognitive psychology , computer science , theoretical physics , mathematics , physics , social psychology , philosophy , pure mathematics
A formal theory of behavior and emotion is outlined which relates an operationally defined psychological force field to the propensity for choice among alternative behaviors. The propensity is represented by a probability density which depends not only on the configuration of the force field, but also on the individual's level of emotional arousal. The level of emotional arousal is linked probabilistically to the individual's interaction history. The theory is formally analogous to the mathematics of quantum mechanics and its philosophical roots are traceable to the metaphysical cosmology of Whitehead; however, no attempt is made to justify it on these grounds. Instead, illustrative examples employing the theory are drawn from contemporary behavioral science data, demonstrating the efficacy of a probabilistic, field theoretic approach to behavioral modeling.