განწყობის თეორიის ტრადიციული ექსპერიმენტული საფუძვლების განახლება

ანოტაცია

We developed an optimal instruction and rigorous methodology for D. Uznadze’s classical experiment on the fixation of set and carried out numerous experiments (for example see the photos above - in the Georgian text).

Our experiments support V. Grigolava’s following result: In the Uzndaze classical experiment the set fixated through unconscious sensations is as intense as the set fixated via conscious sensations.

Our results partially support the conclusions made by Sh. Nadirashvili and V. Grigolava: The ‘bigger-smaller’ relationship is not fixated in this experiment; contrast is not experienced because of the comparison of a small and a big object; a big object is perceived as much bigger after a small object (where one hand takes part in the experiment) and a small object is perceived as much smaller after a big object. This is the bases of experiencing contrast as such in all the modalities, including social evaluations. Sh. Nadirashvili has proved that the basis of this phenomenon is the assimilative action of set. We also add that it is an assimilative action specified as perceptual readiness (the term used also by J. Bruner). The state of readiness formed by the assimilative action of set (a variety of primary-actual set) precedes not only a sensory-motor activity, but also a single perception act. This happens as a result of the actualization of previously fixated or inborn sets (Such a fixated set is a ready perceptual scheme or the ‘basic- standard’, to use Sh. Nadirashvili’s term). 

In the vast majority of healthy people, the duration of the effect of the set fixated in Uznadze’s classical experiments does not exceed a couple of minutes.

Generalization (spreading of set to the objects of different shape and size) and irradiation (transportation of fixated set to other modalities) are not general characteristics of set. They are the attributes of some people in some conditions. Moreover, some of the people manifest anti-generalization and anti-irradiation. There are enough data to assume that these are the individual’s stable characteristics, but this has to be proved using rigorous statistical criteria, and, what is most important, through rigorous psychological experiments.

We introduced the notion of ‘Perceptual field of touch’ (analogue of the ‘Visual field’). It was found out that exactly the same thing happens in the haptic and optical modalities: fixated set, corresponding to one area of the perceptual field, does not transfer to another area of the same field.

Consequently, many statements, that, according to the experimental bases of set theory, were supposed to prove an integral character of fixated set (or described fixated set as the state of the individual as a whole) have turned out to be false. Therefore, the statement that has been theoretically substantiated by us can be also experimentally supported: It is just actual set that may have integral nature, but not fixated set. As for fixated set it is a specific set limited to a single modality. Therefore, there are different kinds of fixated sets: perceptual-visual, perceptual-auditory, perceptual-haptic...; motor and sensory-motor; also various linguistic, intellectual, aesthetic, personal, social, and other sets limited to other modalities.  Fixated sets can spread to other modalities and influence each other in some individuals and in certain situations. The basis of such inter-modal links is the psycho-physiological wholeness of the primary-actual set, and, consequently, the individual’s wholeness, the unity of our body and soul. But some people manifest different, opposite qualities in some situations. They easily combine opposite fixated sets in different modalities.

The function of primary-actual set is to integrate isolated and sometimes opposite fixated sets and direct them for the purpose of a specific activity.

After being refined, the theory of set will be able to face more many challenges.