MANIPULATIVE

MODELS
OF
HUMAN BEHAVIOUR

Is A Model Necessary?
All data are interpreted vis--vis a model.
The model is based on a paradigm.
Systems Model of Human Behavior

Basic Assumptions
Individuals grow, develop, and change over
time as a result of interaction between genetic
qualities and particular environment.
Human beings do not develop in isolation.
This approach has been labeled systems,
contextual
/
developmental
and
transactional among others.

Basic Assumptions
Model accepts the ancient perspective of a
human being:
body,
mind,
soul/spirit.
Body can be considered in terms of three
components:
genetics,
physiological structure and functioning,
overt behavior

Basic Assumptions
Mind can be considered in terms of three
components:
cognition,
affect/emotion,
conation/volition.

Basic Assumptions
There are a variety of ways of validating truth:
Personal experience
Intuition
Social and/or cultural consensus
Religious scripture and interpretation
Philosophy and logical reasoning
Science and the scientific method

Basic Assumptions
View dissonance resulting from using different
methods as opportunity to develop new
understandings or to integrate previous
understandings in new ways.
When you interpret data in a different way,
please state your viewpoint as clearly and as
concisely as possible, explaining how your
interpretation is just as valid, if not more so,
than that previously given.

The Basics of the Model

Based on Normans (1980) model of the
mind and mental functioning:
Cognitive
system

Encodes, processes, stores,

retrieves, processes
information; purpose is
manipulation of information

Norman, D. (1980). Twelve issues for cognitive science. Cognitive

Science, 4, 1-32.

The Basics of the Model

Based on Normans (1980) model of the
mind and mental functioning:
Affective
system

Connects the regulatory

system and cognitive system;
purpose is arousal

Norman, D. (1980). Twelve issues for cognitive science. Cognitive

Science, 4, 1-32.

The Basics of the Model

Based on Normans (1980) model of the
mind and mental functioning:
Regulatory
system

Biological structures that regulate

the processing of stimuli and
activation of responses; primary
purpose is maintenance of the
organism

Norman, D. (1980). Twelve issues for cognitive science. Cognitive

Science, 4, 1-32.

The Basics of the Model

The Basics of the Model

The regulatory system is redefined as the
aspect of the mental system that regulates
input and output functions (not just
biological functions).
Other modifications:
mind receives information and displays
action through the body
adds a biological and spiritual influence
adds a feedback loop

The Basics of the Model

The Basics of the Model

There are therefore four major components
of the individual in this systems model of
human behavior:

Cognitive system

Perceives, stores,
processes, and
retrieves information

The Basics of the Model

Affective system

Can modify perceptions

and thoughts before and
after they are processed
cognitively

The Basics of the Model

Regulatory system

Directs and manages

input and output
functioning

The Basics of the Model

Behavioral system

Overt action of
organism (output of the
individual)

The Basics of the Model

It is hypothesized that an individual's thinking
(cognition), feeling (affect), and willing (conation)
as well as overt behavior develop as a result of:
transactions among the various components
of mind as
influenced by biological maturation, bodily
functioning and the spiritual dimensions,
the environment or context of the individual,
and
feedback from the environment as a result of an
individual's overt behavior.