Purposeful Behavior as the Control of Perception

Abstract

This article continues the discussion begun in my 1989 EducationalResearcher essay on the problems posed by the unpredictability and indeterminism of human behavior for educational research and responds to criticisms of these arguments offered by . In the course of this discussion, a theory of purposeful behavior known as perceptual control theory is presented which provides an explicit, working model of how in dividuals are able to produce repeatable outcomes via variable means. It is argued that the traditional "scientific" method of educational research, which attempts to find relationships between "independ ent" and "dependent" variables over groups of individuals, is in principle incapable of providing valid explanations of the how and ,ļ why of purposeful human behavior.

Using verbal protocol to examine construction of meaning from social studies texts

“…Verbal protocols are not typically designed to average processes across large numbers of participants, but rather to delve into individuals’ thinking and reflect the rich variability between participants (Ericsson & Simon, 1993). This provides opportunities for in-depth analyses of cases and insight into theoretical understanding in ways large, group-based comparisons cannot (Cziko, 1992). Verbal protocols can also be used as formative assessments to guide and individualize classroom instruction (Bergeson, 2019).…”

“…Learning to think critically about problems, sources, and solutions empowers students to "develop the skills and dispositions necessary for an active civic life" (NCSS, 2013, p. 59), and some argue it is the primary goal of social studies education (e.g., Darling & Wright, 2004). A focus on critical thinking complicates the ways in which we teach and learn social studies content.…”

Virtual tree, real impact: how simulated worlds associate with the perception of limited resources

“…On the other hand, the formation of our perception, one of our major sources to acquire knowledge of the external or environmental world, is dependent on what our behaviors allow us to obtain. The organism was argued to have the purpose of its behaviors as a reference point and would navigate what it senses to or near this point (Cziko, 1992 ; Marken, 2021 ; Powers, 1973 ).…”