Interdisciplinary Handbook Of Perceptual Control Theory

Interdisciplinary Handbook of Perceptual Control Theory Volume II: Living in the Loop brings together the latest research, theory, and applications from W. T. Powers’ Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) that proposes that the behavior of a living organism lies in the control of perceived aspects of both itself and its environment. Sections cover theory, the application of PCT to a broad range of disciplines, why perceptual control is fundamental to understanding human nature, a new way to do research on brain processes and behavior, how the role of natural selection in behavior can be demystified, how engineers can emulate human purposeful behavior in robots, and much more. Each chapter includes an author biography to set the context of their work within the development of PCT. Presents case studies that show how PCT can be applied in different disciplines Illustrates the Test for the Controlled Variable (TCV) and the construction of functional models as fruitful alternatives to mainstream experimental design when studying behavior Shows how theory illuminates structure and functions in brain anatomy Compares and contrasts PCT with other contemporary, interdisciplinary theories

Given the fundamental challenges to society in this era, a radical rewrite of how we approach science and culture is necessary. This handbook applies Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) to achieve a much needed convergence across the physical, life and social sciences, the humanities and arts. In doing so it addresses challenges such as mental illness, dementia, cancer care, toxic masculinity and societal oppression. It also reveals how PCT can be applied to practical issues such as understanding healthcare service implementation and human-machine interaction, as well as deeper questions such as consciousness and imagination. This second volume of the successful interdisciplinary handbook offers rich examples of how the unifying perceptual control framework can provide a viable alternative to existing theories and methodologies for a timely paradigm shift. Examines the relationship between our perceptions, consciousness, and imagination Provides computational and mathematical models for physiological systems, such as human movement, human-machine interaction, and psychological processes such as recovery from mental health problems Presents health as control which leads to game-changing suggestions in designing interventions for health behavior, cancer support, care for dementia, and mental health services Helps readers comprehend goals of teachers and students in education from a PCT perspective to show how educative interactions could be less coercive and foster flourishing The value of PCT is demonstrated in understanding cultural memes and social challenges such as toxic masculinity

Interdisciplinary Handbook of Perceptual Control Theory: Current Perspectives brings together the latest research, theory and applications from W. T. Powers' Perceptual Control Theory (PCT). PCT proposes that the behavior of a living organism lies in the control of perceived aspects of both itself and its environment. Sections cover theory, the application of PCT to a broad range of disciplines, including philosophy, anthropology, education, health, culture and design. This volume complements the first volume with detailed, empirical and translational work on action control and learning, human-machine interaction, and mental health interventions. Chapters provide sophisticated analysis of current societal challenges such as the toxic culture of machismo and militarism, institutionalized discrimination, the changing nature of childhood, the rising prevalence of dementia in an aging society, and the stigmatization of mental illness.

These introductions and readings provide a comprehensive range of information for the study of Perceptual Control Theory—papers, books, book reviews, resources on-line, demos and tutorial programs for your computer. Perceptual Control Theory, PCT, results from one man's curiosity, expertise, creativity and determination. The articles, books, and tutorial programs introduced in this volume would not have been written, certainly not this way, if it were not for William T. (Bill) Powers's seminal insight and tireless efforts across more that sixty years. The PCT explanation for what behavior is, how it works and what it accomplishes is well documented. It lays a foundation for a new natural science and can handle behavioral phenomena within a single testable concept of how living systems work. You can demonstrate it yourself with functioning computer simulations. Whether you are interested in improving education, resolving chronic psychological stress, understanding what is going on with an inconsolable baby, understanding the basis for our universal sense of justice, getting a different take on what emotions are, resolving conflict in general, becoming a better parent, manager, sales person, friend or lover, you will find fascinating insight when you review these readings and study this new explanatory concept with care.

Powers presents a broad-based sampling of the literature on Perceptual Control Theory, its scientific nature, and some applications that explain what behavior is, how it works, and what it accomplishes.

This July 2014 updated and expanded edition of the Book of Readings is designed to be a broad-based sampling of the literature on Perceptual Control Theory, PCT, its scientific nature and some applications. Perceptual Control Theory, PCT, results from one man's curiosity, expertise, creativity and determination. The articles and books sampled in this volume would not have been written, certainly not this way, if it were not for William T. (Bill) Powers's seminal insight and tireless efforts across more that fifty years. The PCT explanation for what behavior is, how it works and what it accomplishes is well documented. It lays a foundation for a new natural science and can handle behavioral phenomena within a single testable concept of how living systems work. You can demonstrate it yourself with functioning computer simulations. Whether you are interested in improving education, resolving chronic psychological stress, understanding what is going on with an inconsolable baby, understanding the basis for our universal sense of justice, getting a different take on what emotions are, resolving conflict in general, becoming a better parent, manager, sales person, friend or lover, you will find fascinating insight when you review these readings and study this new explanatory concept with care.

This volume is an expanded, updated and rearranged version of Perceptual Control Theory: Science & Applications - A Book of Readings, which is no longer in print. These introductions and readings provide a comprehensive range of information for the study of Perceptual Control Theory papers, books, book reviews, resources on-line, demos and tutorial programs for your computer. Perceptual Control Theory, PCT, results from one man's curiosity, expertise, creativity and determination. The articles, books, and tutorial programs introduced in this volume would not have been written, certainly not this way, if it were not for William T. (Bill) Powers's seminal insight and tireless efforts across more that sixty years. The PCT explanation for what behavior is, how it works and what it accomplishes is well documented. It lays a foundation for a new natural science and can handle behavioral phenomena within a single testable concept of how living systems work. You can demonstrate it yourself with functioning computer simulations. Whether you are interested in improving education, resolving chronic psychological stress, understanding what is going on with an inconsolable baby, understanding the basis for our universal sense of justice, getting a different take on what emotions are, resolving conflict in general, becoming a better parent, manager, sales person, friend or lover, you will find fascinating insight when you review these readings and study this new explanatory concept with care."

Health Psychology: Revisiting the Classic Studies reflects and expands upon 13 of the most innovative contributions to the field from researchers such as Friedman and Rosenman, Marmot, Kiecolt-Glaser, and Ajzen. This book will familiarise you with the classic studies, spanning a period from the 1950s to 2010s, and show you how they continue to apply to the world today. Revisiting the Classic Studies is a series of texts that introduces readers to the studies in psychology that changed the way we think about core topics in the discipline today. It provokes students to ask more interesting and challenging questions about the field by encouraging a deeper level of engagement both with the details of the studies themselves and with the nature of their contribution. Edited by leading scholars in their field and written by researchers at the cutting edge of these developments, the chapters in each text provide details of the original works and their theoretical and empirical impact, and then discuss the ways in which thinking and research have advanced in the years since the studies were conducted. Mark Tarrant is Professor at the University of Plymouth Martin S. Hagger is Professor at the University of California, Merced and Finland Distinguished Professor (FiDiPro) at University of Jyväskylä.