[From Dag Forssell (920901-2)]
For Kent McClelland:
Read your paper on the plane two weeks ago, Draft 7/21/92, which I picked
up in Durango.
Very nice. Really a compelling presentation. One of the best,
comprehensive introductions to PCT we have.
A few nitpicks, of course.
2.2.4.4. : I have never known wether my foot is at 60 degrees or any
other angle. I doubt that your readers will identify with this and say:
"of course." I would suggest that the perceptual system controls
pressure on the pedal, plain and simple, which translates nicely into
tendon tension. All I ever do when I drive is squeeze the accelerator,
and let up, respectively. I do not care what the angle is, and would
guess poorly if asked. The angle becomes a consequence of the properties
of the environment (car design, uphill, wind resistance etc.).
2.3.2.5. : You bring in emotions and I don't understand "invites negative
emotions." I do not know what insight of Rick's you refer to. If you
want to deal with emotions, I would think a summary of Ed Ford's
presentation in Freedom from Stress would be more appropriate and easier
to relate to. This could be its own section. LCS II has the missing (from
BCP) chapter on feelings.
Between Rick and Bill and all, there is much talk about loop gain. But
you are not using equations with constants all over the place.
Considering your audience, you could choose to not mention it,
deemphasize it or use / substitute more illustrations.
Personally, I find it intuitively easier to talk about how a control
system directs energy and or resources to influence the variable.
The nerve signal gives instructions to the muscle fiber, which contracts,
using the energy / resource of sugar to create an effect far stronger
than the energy content of the signal itself. (This is amplification).
What size biceps?
Your cruise control presses the gas pedal, which provides more fuel to
the engine. What size engine? (This is strength).
When you talk about conflict, you can talk about two control systems of
equal or different resources, strength, evoking the image of armwrestling
or such and make the same points about fatigue, reorganization, lack of
satisfaction.
3.2.8. : There [are] some ..
5.2. : ... To put it bluntly[: I]f...
This is a marvelous paper. What are your plans for it? Surely it deserves
publication in a highly visible place.
Dag Forssell
23903 Via Flamenco
Valencia, Ca 91355-2808
Phone (805) 254-1195 Fax (805) 254-7956
Internet: 0004742580@MCIMAIL.COM
PS Kent, please acknowledge. Believe you are on net. If not, I will mail.