Directive correlation is a **biological term describing the relation between independent but intermittently interacting variables**. It connotes their reduction of variety and thereby concentrates an organism's goal directed behavior on a set of alternatives with a higher than average probability of success. The degree of directive correlation is time dependent. Fewer choices are available as the goal itself becomes closer, e.g. a lion stalking a gazelle has many options before it is noticed, a smaller number when the prey begins to flee and almost no opportunity for adjustment after the lunge has commenced. There is no definite limit on the number of variables which may be directively correlated (called the compass) but they must satisfy the condition of orthogonal independence - that any arbitrary combination of their values could be taken as the initial state. Perception of and adaptation to changes in the values of the relevant variables enables the goal directed activity to be correlated or refined as conditions are more precisely perceived. There are three main types of directive correlation. 1. In the short term, contingent variations in the performance of a task are examples of executive directive correlation. 2. Ontogenic directive correlation takes place during the lifetime of the organism: it includes learning, maturation and adaptation to environmental conditions (such as tire growth of a heavier coat of fur in a cold climate). 3. Phylogenetic directive correlation has been described as establishing the conditions for successful goal directed behavior as a species evolves toward maximum adaptation to its environment. The three types are closely related. Execution implies maturation and, usually, learning; learning in turn implies an appropriately evolved structure. To illustrate: learning to fly is a fairly easy task for a baby bird while a great deal of effort can be expended by a man flapping his arms with negligible results. When the structure of knowledge grew to include design of aircraft, engine and propellers, human flight became practical. Directive correlation also occurs in social systems when a process of learning and adaptation to increase the likelihood of success in reaching a goal is undertaken. This can be done by experiment, by simulation, or by using a technique, such as game theory, to reduce the number of alternatives to manageable size. # SOURCE Sommerhoff, G. (1950). Analytical Biology. London: Oxford University Press. Sommerhoff, G. (1974). Logic o f the living brain. London: Wiley. # EXAMPLES • the adjustments made by a gunner to keep a moving target in his sights • changes made in an electoral campaign in response to issue polls • the adaptation of wild species, such as raccoons and foxes, to an urban environment • varying a television series' character development on the basis of ongoing audience research • training needed technicians to implement a national development plan as the plan is being prepared # NON-EXAMPLES • formulating a market strategy on the basis of a previously prepared campaign • following through on a five year plan : without making alterations proceeding to test a new idea at random
# PROBABLE ERROR • Mixing up causal with independent or orthogonal variables. • Misidentifying the goal to which observed actions are directed. • Mistaking a fortuitous outcome for goal directed activity. # SEE Coenetic Variable; Adaptation; Environment; System