Psychology

Predictability Theories An Annotated Bibliography
Baker, S.R.  Stephenson, D. (2000). Prediction and control as determinants of behavioural uncertainty Effects on task performance and heart rate reactivity. Integrative Physiological  Behavioral Science, 35 (4), 235-248.

Baker and Stephenson argues that experiencing control or knowing that one is in control through predictability can determine cardiovascular feedback to aversive conditions. They examined the separate impacts of prediction and control on heart rate during aversive situations. They conducted an experimental study on fourteen subjects who were grouped into four experimental environments- predictable-control, predictable-no control, unpredictable-control, and unpredictable-no control. Control was provided by being able to lessen noise duration. Findings showed that control and predictability had individual effects on lessening the heart rate of participants. Control affected the heart rate during stages of anticipation, after the impact, and during recovery, while predictability influenced the heart rate during impact.

This article is useful in connecting predictability with behavioral certainty. It indicates that it is possible that when people feel more control in their lives, their behavior can be more accurately predicted. Control and predictability can be factors of predicting human behavior. On the other hand, other contextual factors, such as personality and culture should also be considered, because it is possible that people who value control more can have lower heart rates, in the same way that people who are fatalistic and more relaxed about their life approach can also have lower heart rates, even when there is no perceived control over situations.

Salmon, P. (2001). Effects of physical exercise on anxiety, depression, and sensitivity to stress A unifying theory. Clinical Psychology Review, 21 (1), 33-61.

Salmon explored cross-sectional and longitudinal studies on the social and emotional effects of exercise. Findings showed that aerobic exercise can be a tool that can lessen anxiety, depression, and sensitivity to stress because of the sense of mobilization, mastery, and social interaction it can provide.

This article is beneficial in understanding the predictability of aerobic exercise as means of providing non-medicine intervention for people experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress. Other studies that examine more the social, cultural, and biological dynamics of exercise, nonetheless, can provide additional empirical substantiation for the multiple effects of physical exercise across diverging situations and cultures.