Müller's doctrine of specific nerve energies: A reevaluation in view of perceptual development

Abstract.— Some principles underlying Müller's doctrine are presented. This doctrine is briefly evaluated in view of modem research in sensory and perceptual psychology, whereupon its relationship to problems of perceptual development is examined. Two positions concerning developmental changes of intersensory relationships are presented. According to the first position, development starts with a well integrated supra-modal system and proceeds by a gradual differentiation of the separate modalities. According to the second, the senses constitute relatively independent functions by the infant, while integration of these functions takes place when the child grows. It is shown that studies supporting either of the two positions have been based on different behaviour systems, and that these studies, therefore, need not contradict each other. Consequently it is suggested that sensory functions should be defined in relation to particular forms of behaviour, and that forms of organism-environment interactions should serve as frames of reference for classifications of the senses.