66 THEORY OF FIELD KURT LEVIN

Kurt Levin (1890–1947) - Associate Professor at Berlin University, who emigrated in the 1930s. in the USA and since 1945 headed the research center of group dynamics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Like many scientists of that time, K. Levin turned to physics in search of a “new mode of thinking,” in an attempt to make psychology a more accurate science.

The theory of the "field" of K. Levin is not a separate psychological theory, but a system of ideas that can be applied in all branches of psychology.

The concept of "field" includes both external factors! (environment) and internal (human personality). Any activity takes place in the field and is determined by its conditions.

The main theses of field theory.

1. The logic of human behavior must be sought in the situation under study. Moreover, the situation should be considered as perceived by the actor himself.

2. The explanation should be built on psychology, first of all it is necessary to take into account and analyze the factors perceived by the subject, both real-life and presented only in the experiences.

3. The behavior of the subject due to the action of certain forces.

4. Similar behavior is not always due to similar reasons.

5. First of all, the factors that exist in the present tense influence behavior. Past and expected moments should be considered secondarily.

6. To simplify the processing of psychological situations, they can be presented in algebraic form.

K. Levin proposed the following formula for recording psychological situations:

V = f (P, U),

where V is the behavior;

P - personal factors !; U is the environment.

K.Levin applied his field theory to a variety of psychological problems, including the behavior of mentally handicapped individuals, the behavior of small groups, problems related to the difference of mentalities, and infant and childish behavior.

Science, according to K. Levin, goes through three stages:

1) speculative - several large theories are being created that pretend to a full description of the studied area;

2) descriptive - much attention is paid to facts, theories are formed “from practice”;

3) constructive - theories are formed, allowing to explain any phenomenon. K. Levin outlined his views in the books The Dynamic Theory of Personality and The Principles of Topological Psychology.