Q: Theory of Human Behavior

[DrChinese]

I have a couple of questions for those interested in the study of human behavior:

In particle physics, the name of the "standard" theory is called "quantum mechanics" or "relativistic quantum theory" etc. If I mention it, everyone mostly would know what I am referring to.

So I am wondering, what is the name of the "standard" theory of human behavior. I.e. "Behaviorism", etc?

Or, maybe there is no one accepted theory. Maybe it takes two or three. If so, what are they?

Or, perhaps it has been rejected that such an overall theory exists. If so, what is the overall state of the study of human behavior?

I know there are a tremendous number of studies going on and being published, but they don't seem to me to be pointing towards anything when taken as a whole. Comments and answers?

 

[FutileJester]

Good question. The closest I can think of is the Standard Social Science Model (SSSM). As I understand it this amounts to a blank slate description of people and has been (is being?) supplanted by modern ideas based on the modular nature of the brain.

But I'm definitely talking out of my nether regions here. Surely there's a practicing social scientist here; anyone?

 

[DrBenway]

In psychiatry, the term "biopsychosocial model" is used. Basically, in trying to understand a person's behavior, reference is made to biological factors, psychological factors, and social factors.

Biological factors might include heredity, physical illness affecting the brain, head trauma, and so on. Psychological factors might include conflicting motivations, learning and memory, defense mechanisms, and psychological strengths. Social factors includes the effects of close relationships, financial problems, adjustments to a new job, etc.

So many variables affect human behavior, that it's difficult to fit them all into a single, unifying equation.