Functional systems theory and the activity-specific approach in psychological taxonomies

Abstract

This brief opinion contribution reflects on the application of Anokhin's functional systems theory in the development of models of temperament in Russian differential psychophysiology. It points to the benefits of using an activity-specific approach in temperament theory. This approach suggests separating traits related to physical, communicative and mental aspects of behaviour.This article is part of the theme issue 'Diverse perspectives on diversity: multi-disciplinary approaches to taxonomies of individual differences'.

Keywords: activity-specific approach; functional systems theory; temperament.

Figure 1.

Two activity-specific models of temperament that differentiate between traits related to physical, communicative and mental aspects of activities. (a) Rusalov's model follows Anokhin's and Bernstein's 4-block model. (b) Trofimova's model follows Luria's 3-block model.