Principle of system quantum organization
The basis for the formation of any system quantum is the principle of self-regulation. The organism constantly evaluates how closely the intermediate and final results of its actions bring it to the goal.
The key mechanism of this evaluation is feedback (afferent feedback) — a stream of signals from receptors regarding the achieved parameters. All information coming from the external environment, as well as every step of mental activity, passes through a specific filter: the prism of satisfying the dominant need. Motivation and reinforcement form the informational architecture of the entire process.
Options for activity completion
The outcome of any system quantum depends on whether the actual results coincide with the expected ones. This evaluation takes place in a special apparatus — the action result acceptor (ARA).
- Successful completion (Match)
If the parameters of the achieved result fully correspond to the properties of the ARA, the initial need is satisfied. The subject experiences a positive emotion, the current system quantum is completed, and in its place a new need is formed, launching the next cycle.
- Unsuccessful completion (Mismatch)
If the actual results do not match the ARA matrix, a mismatch occurs. This is accompanied by a negative emotion of varying intensity and triggers exploratory behavior (orienting-exploratory activity). The organism is forced to restructure afferent synthesis, make a new decision, and correct the result acceptor itself. Mental activity is not interrupted, but redirected toward achieving the adjusted goal.
Types of quantization
In humans, the construction of system quanta relies on genetic mechanisms, past experience (learning), and specific verbal factors — instructions and self-instructions. There are three main types of quantization:
- Sequential. Strict linear order. A new system quantum begins exclusively after the previous one has achieved its useful result (the "result — new process" principle).
- Hierarchical. Used when the ultimate goal is delayed in time. To obtain the main result in the future, the subject builds and implements a chain of intermediate system quanta subordinated to a global task.
- Mixed. A combination of the previous two types, where behavior is alternately determined by either sequential or hierarchical connections.
Cerebral mechanisms and process transformation
The central architectonics of functional systems represent the dynamics of information processes in brain structures. Importantly, the transmission of information at all stages (from excitation to the feedback influence of the ARA) proceeds without losing the initial informational meaning of the need.
In the process of mental activity, a mutual transition constantly occurs between the material and the ideal (informational):
- Material to Informational. Biological metabolic needs are transformed into informational processes — motivations and emotions. Similarly, physical environmental influences are transformed into the subtle mechanisms of the ARA.
- Informational to Material. Formulated motivations and their accompanying emotions are realized in the form of specific material forms of behavior and actions in space.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
What specific stages (components) does the stage of afferent synthesis include?
The stage of afferent synthesis includes the integration of several components.
- Motivation — dominant motivational excitation.
- Situational afferentation — the influence of the external environment, arriving continuously via exteroreceptors.
- Memory — utilizing genetic and individually acquired memory.
- Trigger stimulus — the permissive component that unlocks the established pre-trigger integration (e.g., conditioned stimuli or the time factor).
To remember the three types of quantization, use the acronym SIM: Sequential, Ierarchical (Hierarchical), Mixed.
Class and exam questions
What happens during a mismatch between the result parameters and the ARA?
A negative emotion arises and exploratory behavior is triggered. The subject restructures afferent synthesis and makes a new decision.
What is the basis for the formation of system quanta specifically in humans?
Unlike animals, human system quanta are based not only on genetics and prior learning, but also on instructions and self-instructions.
What else to study on this topic
- Mechanisms of feedback afferentation in functional systems
- Formation and functions of the action result acceptor (ARA)
- The stage of afferent synthesis in behavioral architecture
- The role of informational macromolecules (DNA and RNA) in memory and motivation
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