An alternative to the field theory interpretation of cooperative dyadic behavior

Abstract

Of major concern herein is the possibility that the purported empirical suport for Model II of field theory is supirous. Model II focuses on only the variation in behavior within dyadic sets and is empirically supported when this behavior is some function of target magnitude. It is shown, however, that other linkage mechanicms also assume the variation in behavior within dyadic sets is a function of target magnitude. Thus, it is logically possible that the empirical patterns interpreted as proof of Model II's validity actually are the product of other general models. Such a general model, which focuses on the behavior best explained by Model II, is advanced and tested using the DON data. This general model is empiricaly supported and is more attractive than Model II because it explains variation not only within dyadic sets, but also across dyadic sets. There is thus serious question as to the degree of empirical support for Model II.