Dietrich Dörner

Artificial souls: motivated emotional robots

It is noted that computers often are better than humans at performing their preprogrammed tasks, but that they do not function outside of those tasks or show imagination. There is demonstrated the outline of a theory unifying cognition, emotion, and motivation. Regarding man as a motivated emotional cognitive system, his internal structure is described. Additionally, some preliminary tests for the soundness of this theoretical system are reported.

Approaching design thinking research

Abstract Designing a piece of machinery requires thought, at least in most cases. For although sometimes one meets machines or technical devices where not very much thought seems to have been invested, it is normally necessary to think when facing the problem of designing a new machine. In this paper I shall try to identify the different forms of thinking which can be observed in designing (I shall not consider prescriptions about how designing should proceed, see Pahl, G and Beitz W. Konstruktionslehre 4th ed Springer, Berlin (1997)) and I shall also try to answer the question of how a theory about thought in designing may be constructed. This paper is based on Dorner [1] and was updated and revised for this Special Issue.

Ein System zur Handlungsregulation oder Die Interaktion von Emotion, Kognition und Motivation

Unsere Arbeitsgruppe beschaftigt sich seit vielen Jahren mit dem Verhalten von Menschen, die sich in komplexen dynamischen Situationen handelnd bewegen mussen.

PSI: A Computational Architecture of Cognition, Motivation, and Emotion

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 theorys 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.

Complex Problem Solving: What It Is and What It Is Not

Computer-simulated scenarios have been part of psychological research on problem solving for more than 40 years. The shift in emphasis from simple toy problems to complex, more real-life oriented problems has been accompanied by discussions about the best ways to assess the process of solving complex problems. Psychometric issues such as reliable assessments and addressing correlations with other instruments have been in the foreground of these discussions and have left the content validity of complex problem solving in the background. In this paper, we return the focus to content issues and address the important features that define complex problems.

Komplexes Problemlösen - Königsweg der Theoretischen Psychologie?

Zusammenfassung. Unter dem Schlagwort “Komplexes Problemlosen” wird ein Forschungsprogramm vorgestellt, das primar auf die theoretische Integration von kognitiven, emotionalen und motivationalen Prozessen ausgerichtet ist. Nach der einleitenden Darstellung historischer und methodologischer Grundlagen werden drei aktuelle Forschungsbereiche skizziert, namlich die Analyse der Rolle der Selbstreflexion beim Problemlosen, die kulturelle Einbettung des Denkens und - als Beispiel fur ein anwendungsorientiertes Projekt - die Untersuchung von Konstruktionsprozessen im Maschinenbau. Abschliesend wird die PSI-Theorie, eine umfassende und vollstandig formalisierte Theorie zur Erklarung menschlichen Verhaltens in komplexen Situationen in ihrem Umrissen dargestellt.

A Psychological Analysis of Adolf Hitler's Decision Making as Commander in Chief: Summa Confidentia et Nimius Metus

This study is an attempt to analyze Hitlers decision making during World War II. Based on detailed historical sources, we specifically analyzed Hitlers decision-making failures and investigated the possible causes for these failures following theories on cognition, motivation, and action regulation. Failures such as underestimation of an opponent and overestimation of ones own capabilities, the displacement of responsibility for failures on scapegoats, the substitution of easily solvable problems for difficult ones, methodism in decision making, and lack of self-reflection are discussed and detailed examples are provided. These failures ultimately functioned to maintain Hitlers self-confidence. We integrate the failures into a model that explains the origins of Hitlers decision making. Although Hitlers behavior could certainly be judged as “evil,” the analysis goes further and thus can help leaders learn from these failures.

Thinking and the Organization of Action

Thinking is one of the possible ways to organize and to control action but not every form of action incorporates thinking processes. Under which circumstances does thinking play an essential role for the control of action?

Thought and Design - Research Strategies, Single-case Approach and Methods of Validation

Designing a piece of machinery requires thought, at least in most case. For although sometimes one meets machines or technical devices where not very much thought seems to have been invested, it is normally necessary to think when facing the problem of designing a new machine.

Denken und Wollen: Ein systemtheoretischer Ansatz

„Der Geist ist willig, aber das Fleisch ist schwach!“— Diese Sentenz konnte man in mehrfacher Weise als Motto uber einen Aufsatz zum Thema „Denken und Wollen“stellen, denn einmal wird hier der „Geist“, also eine psychische Instanz, die mit dem Denken eng verbunden ist, in Zusammenhang mit dem „Wollen“gebracht - eine Verbindung, die durchaus Sinn ergibt, wie ich zeigen werde; und zum anderen wird auf die Konkurrenz von Motivationen aus verschiedenen Quellen hingewiesen, namlich auf die Konkurrenz von Motiven aus „geistigen“Quellen, kognitiven Motivationen gewissermasen, mit Motiven aus den „animalischeren“Bereichen der Seele. Dabei sind letztere offensichtlich gefahrlich fur die „kognitiven“, da kraftiger, durchsetzungsfahiger.