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Adaptive theory explains how systems adapt based on past experiences. It is used in biology to explain natural selection, in neurology and programming to study how individuals react to stimuli, and in economics to understand how past experiences affect future decisions. In medicine, Roy’s adaptive theory suggests that nursing helps patients adjust to their illness both physically and mentally. Helson’s level of fit theory explains how individual judgment is based on prior experience, and this theory is also used in criminal profiling.
Adaptive theory is the name for theories in several disciplines of science that deal with the ability of a system to adapt based on what has previously happened. In some disciplines, the system is self-aware and the theory attempts to explain why it makes the choices it does. Other adaptive theories attempt to explain how an adaptive system that is not self-aware still selects for certain conditions.
In biology, adaptive theory is synonymous with natural selection, a major component of the theory of evolution. Natural selection states that given a set of traits within a species, those traits that help an individual survive and procreate will become preponderant. The classic example is that of the peppered moth, for which the proportion of light- and dark-colored moths in the population adjusted to help the moth remain camouflaged as industrial pollution darkened its environment. Another common example is sleep patterns, which are thought to be adapted to the need to stay alert to possible predators. Classical Darwinist theory states that natural selection is the primary means by which one species evolves into a different species, and most non-Darwinists accept that natural selection controls the traits demonstrated within a species.
In neurology and programming, adaptive theory deals with how a student adapts and reacts to stimuli. It examines how the neural network maintains expectations and compares them with actual sensations and stimuli. Neurologists try to determine how the human brain works. Programmers try to find ways for computers to duplicate human learning.
In medicine, Roy’s adaptive theory suggests that the purpose of nursing is to help patients adjust to the situation of their injury or illness. This includes helping to care for the patient physically and helping the patient adjust mentally and emotionally to any long-term ramifications of her condition. The theory is the work of Sister Callista Roy, a professor and theoretical nurse at the Boston College of Nursing, and is based in part on the work of psychologist Harry Helson.
Helson’s level of fit theory was that individual judgment is a function of prior experience. This common sense observation has several ramifications. Each individual has unique experiences, so his or her choices may vary from what others would demonstrate in the same situation. Individuals adapt to whatever their current situation is, so everyone tends to view their current status quo as normal. Adaptive theory also plays a role in criminal profiling, where law enforcement attempts to predict how criminals will behave based on demonstrated behavior.
Adaptive theory in economics is based in part on Helson’s work in psychology. Classical economics deals with collective decisions and thus downplays the role of emotions and experiences in individual decisions. Adaptive theory suggests that economic decisions are not based solely on the present but also on expectations for the future, which in turn are based on past experiences. For example, the classic theory of supply and demand would state that consumers will behave in a certain way if gasoline prices were US$3.50 per gallon (3.79 litres). In contrast, adaptive expectations theory indicates that consumer behavior will vary depending on whether consumers believe gas prices are stable, falling, or rising.
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