Perceptual control theory

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Perceptual control theory (PCT) is a psychological theory of animal and Human behavior originated by maverick scientist William T. Powers. In contrast with other theories of psychology and behavior, which assume that behavior is a function of perception — that perceptual inputs determine or cause behavior — PCT postulates that an organism's behavior is a means of controlling its perceptions. In contrast with engineering control theory, the reference variable for each negative feedback control loop in a control hierarchy is set from within the system (the organism), rather than by an external agent changing the setpoint of the controller.^[1] PCT also applies to nonliving autonomic systems.^[2]

Contents

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• 1 Introduction
• 2 History
• 3 Research and applications
  • 3.1 Selected readings
  • 3.2 Kinesiology
  • 3.3 Psychotherapy
    • 3.3.1 PCT psychotherapy components
      • 3.3.1.1 The Method of Levels (MOL)
    • 3.3.2 Summary
    • 3.3.3 References
  • 3.4 Sociology
• 4 General references
• 5 External links
• 6 Notes