Perceptual control theory
Perceptual Control Theory (or "PCT") is a way to think about how people try to make sense of the world around them by making sure they are perceiving the things they want to perceive. It's kind of like a game where you try to get what you want and make sure you don't get what you don't want.
In PCT, the goal is for a person to control what they perceive. For example, when you go to a party, you might put on your best outfit so you look good and feel good about yourself. You don't want to show up wearing something that doesn't make you feel confident. That would be difficult to control.
So, what PCT suggests is that people act like they have a control mechanism in their head that helps them stay in control of their perceptions. This means that they try to make sure they perceive the things they want to perceive and avoid the things they don't want to perceive. For example, if someone at the party says something hurtful, you might just ignore it, instead of getting upset.
In short, Perceptual Control Theory is a way of thinking about how people use their control over their perception to decide what they want to experience and what they don't want to experience. It's like playing a game of perception, where you try to make sure you're perceiving the things you want to experience and staying away from the things you don't want to experience.
In PCT, the goal is for a person to control what they perceive. For example, when you go to a party, you might put on your best outfit so you look good and feel good about yourself. You don't want to show up wearing something that doesn't make you feel confident. That would be difficult to control.
So, what PCT suggests is that people act like they have a control mechanism in their head that helps them stay in control of their perceptions. This means that they try to make sure they perceive the things they want to perceive and avoid the things they don't want to perceive. For example, if someone at the party says something hurtful, you might just ignore it, instead of getting upset.
In short, Perceptual Control Theory is a way of thinking about how people use their control over their perception to decide what they want to experience and what they don't want to experience. It's like playing a game of perception, where you try to make sure you're perceiving the things you want to experience and staying away from the things you don't want to experience.