PSI: A computational architecture of cognition, motivation, and emotion

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2013

Abstract

This article describes PSI theory, which is a formalized computational architecture of human psychological processes. In contrast to other existing theories, PSI theory not only models cognitive, but also motivational and emotional processes and their interactions. The article starts with a brief overview of the theory showing the connections between its different parts. We then discuss the theory's components in greater detail. Key constructs and processes are the five basic human needs, the satisfaction of needs using the cognitive system, including perception, schemas in memory, planning, and action. Furthermore, emotions are defined and the role of emotions in cognitive and motivational processes is elaborated, referring to a specific example. The neural basis of the PSI theory is also highlighted referring to the "quad structure," to specific brain areas, and to thinking as scanning in a neural network. Finally, some evidence for the validity of the theory is provided. © 2013 American Psychological Association.

Publication Title

Review of General Psychology

Volume

17

Issue

3

First Page

297

Last Page

317

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1037/a0032947

ISSN

10892680

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