Unate function

2013-02-18T20:09:10Z

128.125.225.200:

'''Lewin's equation''', ''B'' = ''f''(''P'', ''E''), is ''not'' actually a [[mathematical equation]] representing [[quantifiable]] relationships but rather a [[heuristic]] [[formula]] designed by psychologist [[Kurt Lewin]].
==Description==
The formula states that behavior is a [[function (mathematics)|function]] of the person and [[environmental psychology|his or her environment]]:<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=_cfK_miMqVQC&pg=PA119&lpg=PA119&dq=lewin's+equation&source=web&ots=vd-kAR_nJd&sig=y-mQfs8LLKq193E7xuyAUN0-hNo The Sage Handbook of Methods in Social Psychology]: Lewin's equation</ref>

<center><math>B=f(P,E)</math></center>

Where <math>B</math> is [[Social behavior|behavior]], <math>P</math> is [[Personal identity|Person]], and <math>E</math> is the [[Social environment|environment]].

The equation is the psychologist's most well known formula in [[social psychology]], of which Lewin was a modern pioneer. When first presented in Lewin's book ''Principles of Topological Psychology'', published in 1936, it contradicted most popular theories in that it gave importance to a person's momentary situation in understanding his or her behavior, rather than relying entirely on the past.<ref>[http://www.lucs.lu.se/Christian.Balkenius/Thesis/Chapter04.html Christian Balkenius (1995). ''Natural Intelligence in Artificial Creatures''. Lund University Cognitive Studies 37.] (ISBN 91-628-1599-7): Chapter 4 – Reactive Behavior</ref>

==Further reading==
* Lewin, Kurt (1943). Defining the "Field at a Given Time." ''Psychological Review'', 50, 292–310.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* Lewin, [http://stickyminds.com/sitewide.asp?Function=WEEKLYCOLUMN&ObjectId=7567&ObjectType=ARTCOL&btntopic=artcol&tt=WEEKLYCOL_7567_readon&tth=H Sticky Minds]

[[Category:Social psychology]]

{{psych-stub}}

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Unate function