[From Erling Jorgensen (2019.09.04 1140 EDT)]
Marin Taylor 2019.09.05.11,22
Fred Nickols 2019.09.04.1014 ET
FN: Let’s say I take a clear, plastic cup and, using a marker, put a short line about halfway up the glass. Now let’s say I pour water into the glass until it is even with the mark I drew. I wanted the level of water to be even with the mark and that is what I see. I see what I wanted to see. My perception matches my reference. What did I control? Did I control my perception of the level of water in the glass? Did I control the level of water in the glass? Did I control both?
MT: Short answer: “Yes”.
MT: Long answer: You are controlling at least two different perceptions, (1) the relationship between the mark on the glass and the level of the water, which you control only by (2) controlling the level of the water.
EJ: Fred, first of all I would make the list longer of what you controlled. 1) You controlled your choice of cup, with likely references of “clear, plastic.” (If someone used the TCV to hand you a glass cup, presumably you would have resisted that disturbance and not drawn an ink mark on it.) 2) You controlled your choice of marker. 3) You controlled where on the cup you made the mark, with a reference of “halfway up the glass” and a tolerance window of “about.” 4) You seemed to control your choice of fluid, i.e., “water,” although if that were disturbed and only “coffee” were available, presumably your experiment could have still proceeded without needing specific correction. 5) You controlled the behavioral event of “pouring,” with corresponding transitions of joint configurations and gripping sensations, seemingly timed in sequence so the water would get where you wanted it to be. 6) You controlled the duration of the pouring. 7) You controlled the relationship between the water level and the mark, with an explicit reference for “the level of the water to be even with the mark.” Presumably that was while holding the cup about level with your eye, rather than looking down at the water and mark. 8) You controlled for an example that would illustrate concepts of control. This list is far from exhaustive, because (for instance) you likely controlled for keeping your eyelids open while pouring and measuring the water level, etc. etc. But if this list is somewhat correct, I would slightly amend your pronouncement: “My perception(s) matche(d) my reference(s).”
EJ: With regard to your question of perceptual versus environmental control, I like how Martin expressed it (slightly amended):
MT: Each of those perceptions corresponds to some property of the real world that is filtered by your sense organs, a lot of complicated neural processing, and the [numerous] perceptual functions. You influence the [numerous] controlled perceptions by acting on the real world in a way that influences what you perceive. Changes in your [numerous] perceptions correspond to changes in those [numerous] properties of the real world, and are the changes you perceive in your perceived world. By controlling your perception, you control a filtered property of the real world, so “yes,” you control both.
EJ: In the past I have been on the side that only (internal) perceptions are actually controlled. Yet, the Test for the Controlled Variable is based on being able to observe/infer/detect the reference value(s) being used to keep various aspects of the environment in some stabilized state. So, yes, I agree with Martin that “a filtered property of the real world” ends up being controlled.
All the best,
Erling
Confidentiality: * This message is intended only for the addressee, and may contain information that is privileged and confidential under HIPAA, 42CFR Part 2, and/or other applicable State and Federal laws. If you are not the addressee, or the employer or agent responsible for delivering the message to the addressee, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the material from your computer. Thank you for your cooperation.*
Please also note: Under 42 CFR part 2 you are prohibited from making any further disclosure of information that identifies an individual as having or having had a substance use disorder unless it is expressly permitted by the written consent of the individual whose information is being disclosed or as otherwise permitted by 42 CFR Part 2.