Mediation theory

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The mediation theory in psychology is a hypothesis according to which learning processes , thinking and perceptions are explained according to the basics of behavioral science . These basics exist mainly in the SR theory . The mediation theory states that the success of the stimulus within the SR model in complex psychological functions does not take place automatically and always uniformly, but depends on many individual mediating steps ( psychological reflex arc ). The name of mediation theory goes back to Charles E. Osgood (1953), who assumed that many mediating responses or representational mediating processes are necessary for a successful learning, thinking or perception function. The theory is therefore also referred to as mediation theory. The mediating reactions can take place in the form of the smallest, under certain circumstances no longer observable connections. However, this was the decisive step for a change to neo-behaviorism . The unambiguousness of experimentally controllable reflex responses was no longer required as a mandatory requirement of behavioral theory.

Mediation theory within the other schools

Many connections between numerous mediating reactions serve to generate complex behavior patterns and to connect them with each other. Similar ideas were already developed by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716) with his theory of petites perceptions . According to the principle of reaction amplification by Clark L. Hull, attempts were made to explain learning processes. With the help of mediation theory, processes could now be understood according to behavioral methodology, for which Gestalt psychology had previously predominantly advocated .

Pavlov's Second Signaling System

The teaching of the second signal system was founded by Ivan Petrovich Pavlov (1849–1936). This held a person's experiences accumulated over time as a result of being organized between two interacting systems.

Network theories

The mediating stimulus responses demanded by Osgood on the basis of intervening variables can be understood as the result of interacting systems according to Pawlow. Based on recent brain research and the models of neural networks, it has been shown that the process of excitation above the psychophysical level can by no means be understood as a sequential neuronal process, as can be assumed from the simplified level scheme of stimulus response . Rather, it is often, like the control loop , self-contained chains of neurons within the brain, even within the cerebral cortex. The way these neurons work is also described as an interactive process between higher and lower layers of the brain. These layers are known u. a. as a lamination of the cerebral cortex. The lamina IV ( stratum granulosum internum ) is known as an input layer for other or “deeper” areas of the cerebral cortex. Here, height and depth do not mean a topographical-anatomical position within the cerebral cortex, but refers to the proximity to the incoming neuronal information of the sensory organs ( topology ). They are therefore neural signals that originate from the sensory projection centers . The module closer to these centers is always referred to as the “deeper” one. There is an interaction ( reciprocity ) between “higher” and “lower” layers . The lower layer delivers signals to the higher one and in turn receives feedback from the higher one. In the case of the cerebral cortex, the higher layer is lamina VI ( stratum multiforme ). The interaction is ended when the result of this exchange has led to a cognitive result. Manfred Spitzer invokes gestalt psychology and its thesis in favor of such an interactive process.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b Peter R. Hofstätter (Ed.): Psychology . The Fischer Lexicon, Fischer-Taschenbuch, Frankfurt a. M. 1972, ISBN 3-436-01159-2 ; on "mediating responses", "Hull's principle of reaction amplification": p. 219
  2. ↑ Georgi Schischkoff (Ed.): Philosophical dictionary. Alfred-Kröner, Stuttgart 14 1982, ISBN 3-520-01322-3 , Wb.-Lemma "Petites perceptions": p. 524.
  3. ^ Wilhelm Karl Arnold et al. (Ed.): Lexicon of Psychology . Bechtermünz, Augsburg 1996, ISBN 3-86047-508-8 ; (a) on Lex.-Lemma “Vermittlungstheorie”: Col. 2478 f .; (b) on Lex. Lemma “Mediation Theory”: Col. 1343; CE Osgood as the founder of mediation theory and opposites of different directions s. Lex.-Lemma "Insight, learning through" Sp. 434 f.
  4. ^ Markus Antonius Wirtz. (Ed.): Dorsch - Lexicon of Psychology . Verlag Hans Huber, Bern, 16 2013, ISBN 978-3-456-85234-8 ; Lexicon lemma “Vermittlungstheorie” with reference to the lexicon lemma “Second signal system” - accessed online on August 17, 2014
  5. ^ EN Sokolov: Perception and conditioned reflex . Pergamon, Oxford 1963
  6. ↑ EN Sokolov, GG Arakelov, LB Levinson: Neuronal mechanism of habituation . In V. Rusinov (Ed.), Electrophysiology of the central nervous system (pp. 411-456). Plenary, New York 1970.
  7. ^ D. Mumford: On the computational architecture of the neocortex . II. The role of cortico-cortical loops. (1992) Biol Cybern 66: 241-251
  8. ↑ Manfred Spitzer : Spirit in the net , models for learning, thinking and acting. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag Heidelberg 1996, ISBN 3-8274-0109-7 ; To chap. “Intermediate layers in the head” p. 136 ff.
  9. ^ Wolfgang Metzger : Laws of seeing . Waldemar Kramer-Verlag, Frankfurt a. M. 1975