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Lewin's equation
Lewin's equation, B = f(P, E), is a heuristic formula proposed by psychologist Kurt Lewin as an explanation of what determines behavior.
The formula states that behavior is a function of the person and their environment:
Where is behavior, is person, and is the environment.
This equation was first presented in Lewin's book, Principles of Topological Psychology, published in 1936. The equation was proposed as an attempt to unify the different branches of psychology (e.g. child psychology, animal psychology, psychopathology) with a flexible theory applicable to all distinct branches of psychology. This equation is directly related to Lewin's field theory. Field theory is centered around the idea that a person's life space determines their behavior. Thus, the equation was also expressed as B = f(L), where L is the life space. In Lewin's book, he first presents the equation as B = f(S), where behavior is a function of the whole situation (S). He then extended this original equation by suggesting that the whole situation could be roughly split into two parts: the person (P) and the environment (E). According to Lewin, social behavior, in particular, was the most psychologically interesting and relevant behavior.
Lewin held that the variables in the equation (e.g. P and E) could be replaced with the specific, unique situational and personal characteristics of the individual. As a result, he also believed that his formula, while seemingly abstract and theoretical, had distinct concrete applications for psychology.
Many scholars (and even Lewin himself) have acknowledged the influence of Gestalt psychology on Lewin's work. Lewin's field theory holds that a number of different and competing forces combine to result in the totality of the situation. A single person's behavior may be different in unique situations, as he or she is acting partly in response to these differential forces and factors (e.g. the environment, or E):
"A physically identical environment can be psychologically different even for the same man in different conditions."
Similarly, two different individuals placed in exactly the same situation will not necessarily engage in the same behavior.
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Lewin's equation
Lewin's equation, B = f(P, E), is a heuristic formula proposed by psychologist Kurt Lewin as an explanation of what determines behavior.
The formula states that behavior is a function of the person and their environment:
Where is behavior, is person, and is the environment.
This equation was first presented in Lewin's book, Principles of Topological Psychology, published in 1936. The equation was proposed as an attempt to unify the different branches of psychology (e.g. child psychology, animal psychology, psychopathology) with a flexible theory applicable to all distinct branches of psychology. This equation is directly related to Lewin's field theory. Field theory is centered around the idea that a person's life space determines their behavior. Thus, the equation was also expressed as B = f(L), where L is the life space. In Lewin's book, he first presents the equation as B = f(S), where behavior is a function of the whole situation (S). He then extended this original equation by suggesting that the whole situation could be roughly split into two parts: the person (P) and the environment (E). According to Lewin, social behavior, in particular, was the most psychologically interesting and relevant behavior.
Lewin held that the variables in the equation (e.g. P and E) could be replaced with the specific, unique situational and personal characteristics of the individual. As a result, he also believed that his formula, while seemingly abstract and theoretical, had distinct concrete applications for psychology.
Many scholars (and even Lewin himself) have acknowledged the influence of Gestalt psychology on Lewin's work. Lewin's field theory holds that a number of different and competing forces combine to result in the totality of the situation. A single person's behavior may be different in unique situations, as he or she is acting partly in response to these differential forces and factors (e.g. the environment, or E):
"A physically identical environment can be psychologically different even for the same man in different conditions."
Similarly, two different individuals placed in exactly the same situation will not necessarily engage in the same behavior.