Toward a general systems theory of social behavior: A psychocybernetic perspective

Abstract

A general psychocybernetic theory of human behavior is introduced in this paper. The theory, referred to as ‘congruity theory’, is designed to explain both cognitive and affective behavior at both the individual and group levels. Cognitive phenomena are postulated to be determined by different patterns of perceptual congruity analyzed from four different analytical perspectives. Examples of cognitive phenomena examined include information processing, communication, adaptive learning and cognitive development. The four analytical perspectives are: (1) intrapersonal, (2) interpersonal, (3) situational/ecological and (4) developmental. In contrast, affective phenomena are postulated to be determined by different patterns of evaluative congruity analyzed from the four different analytical perspectives. Examples of affective phenomena examined include evaluation, exchange, strategic decision making and affective development. Both perceptual and evaluative congruity processes are described in terms of a cybernetic comparator function involving the valence property of the perceived stimulus and a referent belief. Perceptual congruity is argued to be directed by the need for cognitive consistency, whereas evaluative congruity is directed by the need for emotional enhancement.