The document discusses using the Constructal Law to explain goal-directed behavior. The Constructal Law states that systems evolve configurations that facilitate easier access and flow. It is seen in branching structures like lightning bolts and trees that allow efficient discharge and energy absorption. The law also applies to social and organizational structures. The model proposes that a need or deficit creates a "store" of potential behavior, which puts pressure on kinetic, active behaviors to flow and satisfy the need. Examples show how social connections or getting out of the house become goals driven by an internal deficit. The Constructal Law provides a physics-based framework for understanding motivation and goal pursuit in humans and other systems.

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7. The Constructal Law
For a finite-size flow system to persist (or
live) in time, its configuration must evolve in
such a way that provides easier access to the
currents to flow through it.
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8. The Physics of
Behavior
Using the Constructal Law to
Explain Goal-Directed Behavior
Great Plains Psychology Student’s Conference Tyler D. Staples MS LMLP
Omaha, Ne. | March 15-16, 2013
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9. Lightning Bolts, Trees
and Social Organization
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10. Lightning Bolts and Trees
Bejan’s Design in Nature (2012):
*Branched design of lightning...
-why? most efficient design
-allows for the quickest and
most efficient discharge
*Branched design of trees...
-also most efficient design
-allows for most efficient
absorption and use of energy
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11. Social/Organizational Structure
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12. Social/Organizational Structure
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13. Social/Organizational Structure
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14. The Constructal Law
and Behavior
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15. Constructal Model of Goal-Directed Behavior
Potential
Behavior Deficit/
Need Store
(size of ‘Store’) =
(size of deficit/need)
Kinetic/Active = (pressure of
Behavior ‘behavior flow’)
Satisfaction of Need(s)
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17. Constructal Model of Goal-Directed Behavior
Potential
Behavior Deficit/
Need Store
(size of ‘Store’) =
(size of deficit/need)
Kinetic/Active = (pressure of
Behavior ‘behavior flow’)
Satisfaction of Need(s)
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18. Constructal Model of Goal-Directed Behavior
Potential Deficit:
Behavior Social
Connection
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19. Constructal Model of Goal-Directed Behavior
Potential Deficit:
Behavior Social
Connection
Initiate Convo. @ Lunch
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20. Constructal Model of Goal-Directed Behavior
Potential Deficit:
Behavior Social
Connection
Initiate Convo. @ Lunch
Get Out of House
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21. Constructal Model of Goal-Directed Behavior
Potential
Behavior Deficit/
Need Store
(size of ‘Store’) =
(size of deficit/need)
Kinetic/Active = (pressure of
Behavior ‘behavior flow’)
Satisfaction of Need(s)
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23. Bejan, A. (1982). Entropy Generation Through Heat and Fluid Flow. New York,
NY: Wiley.
Bejan, A. (1997). Constructal Theory of Organization in Nature. In Advanced
Engineering Thermodynamics (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Wiley.
Bejan, A. & Zane, J. P. (2012). Design in Nature: How the Constructal Law
Governs Evolution in Biology, Physics, Technology, and Social Organization.
New York, NY: Doubleday.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. New
York, NY: Harper Collins.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in
Human Behavior. New York, NY: Plenum.
Staples, T. D. & Wagge, J. (unpublished). Language of Motivation: Linguistic
Indicators for Intrinsic versus Extrinsic Motivation.
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24. The Physics of
Behavior
Using the Constructal Law to
Explain Goal-Directed Behavior
Great Plains Psychology Student’s Conference Tyler D. Staples MS LMLP
Omaha, Ne. | March 15-16, 2013
24