Propositions toward the development of a psychological theory of thought

Abstract

Thought is considered a psychological concept associated with an individual's mental existence. It is apparent that a great deal of research has been focused on thought as an area of study. However, there is no psychological theory of thought which provides an explanation for its nature and structural organization. So far, researchers have mainly looked at the ways this concept is expressed, rather than investigating what it actually is. In this study, however, based on studies of the functions of the psyche, mental processes, and the neurophysiological bases of mental activity, thought is identified as a need-emotion-intentional substance existing in the human being's inner world. In keeping with this understanding of thought, the hypothesis that thought generation is caused by desire and experience (feeling and emotion) is put forward. An individual's thought is linked to his behavior or motivation for activity, and is followed by an emotional experience. The process of thought generation is regarded through the mechanism of behavioral motivation. The primary purpose of this mechanism is to define the qualities of the external objects that serve for need satisfaction and functionality in individuals. The ability to generate thoughts is a feature of thinking related to an individual's mental ability or frame of mind. From this standpoint, a person's mentality is considered to be the capacity of the individual to generate thoughts and work through thoughts. It is shown that the ability to generate thoughts and establish relationships within a stream of consciousness is characteristic of human intelligence. Some basic propositions toward a development of a psychological theory of thought are introduced.