METHODOLOGY OF SURVEY-DESIGN FOR INTER-CULTURAL SEXOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

6. Systemic architecture and the structure of the quantum

A quantum, by definition, is a functional system comprising a "triggering stimulus," central integration, and an acceptor which anticipates potential results. To connect the classical understanding of the system with the understanding of its cognitive and emotional aspects, it is necessary to uncover a general factor which at once both accurately describes mental activity, and also corresponds with the theory of functional systems. This factor is that of prognosis, or anticipation, since it is clear that in any communicative act, besides the linguistic meaning of its words, and their emotional import, there is also a communicative goal which the subject is trying to achieve. So it is worthwhile to look at the quantum, and at mental activity in general as the aggregate of three functions: cognitive, emotional, and anticipatory (this last is not always conscious, and is often expressed subjectively as a wish, a goal, or an expectation of some result.)

Diagram 3 The structure of a quantum

And so, a quantum is the product of the cognitive and emotional activity of the brain, and also of the brain's activity in anticipating an action's possible results. For convenience, we will use the label "intuitive" to describe the activity of anticipation. A quantum, then, consists of cognitive, emotional, and intuitive components (diag. 3).

Diagram 4 The constellation of Quanta

Quanta are linked to each other in three different structures (see diagram 4.) The "entrance" to the quantum is denoted by the arrow on the left √ the induction by some communicative transaction of a quantum's emotional component. The link to another quantum is realized through the intuitive component. The induction of the second quantum leads to the formation of a new link with the third, cognitive, component, and so on. We see, therefore, a three-faceted dynamic process, producing a "response stimulus" as its end result.

From the free positions of individual quanta in this chain, stimuli can be directed to other personality structures, to emotional mechanisms, or "below" √ to activate the corresponding nuclei and nerve-centers, provoking the vegetative reactions which accompany communication.

In the case of sexual intercourse, the part of the brain governing sexual behavior is activated, and the mechanisms of "sexual reaction" are "triggered." Depending on the specifics of a subject's neuro-dynamics, the number of activated engrams varies according to the level of thinking, the quality of the emotional content, and to general sexual behavior. Clearly, the higher the level of the functional system in the hierarchy, the more closely the quantum will correspond to its understood form.

Let us clarify then, that the element governing typical patterns of sexual behavior is the fixed hierarchical structure of quanta within the personality structures "Parent," "Adult," and "Child." The interrelation of a series of quanta, and of the communicative transactions and personality structures that they invoke is shown in diagram 5.

Diagram 5: The interrelation of personality structure, communicative transactions, and quanta

It is obvious that to make insights into the nature of quanta, we must use semantic compositions which allow the respondent an open choice. The semantic compositions must correspond to the structure of the quantum, and include its three elements.