Glossary / Lexicon

Control theory refers to cognitive theory that explains people's variance in behavior in certain domains in terms of their beliefs that they can or cannot effectively control situations in that domain.

Control theory is a branch of psychology that seeks to understand how individuals regulate their behavior and emotions in response to environmental feedback. It posits that people engage in a feedback loop, where they monitor their behavior, receive feedback, and then adjust their behavior to achieve a desired outcome. The aim of control theory is to identify the factors that influence this feedback loop and how individuals can optimize their control processes.

There are several different models within control theory, including cybernetics, feedback control theory, and goal-setting theory. Some examples of how control theory is applied in psychology include:

1. Self-regulation: Control theory is often used to explain how individuals regulate their behavior and emotions. For example, a person might monitor their eating habits, receive feedback from a health app, and adjust their behavior to achieve their desired weight.

2. Feedback loops: Control theory is also used to study feedback loops in social interactions. For example, in a conversation, a person might monitor the other person's responses, receive feedback, and adjust their behavior to maintain the conversation.

3. Goal-setting: Control theory is often used in goal-setting and performance management. For example, a manager might monitor an employee's progress towards a goal, provide feedback, and adjust the employee's performance to ensure they achieve the desired outcome.

Overall, control theory provides a framework for understanding how individuals regulate their behavior and emotions, and how they can optimize their control processes to achieve their goals.