As each new form appears and the old is absorbed within it, man’s psychology becomes quantitatively and qualitatively different. That is, as the conditions of man’s existence change, according to the amount of free energy within the person-environment system, the type of insights present in the mind, and the degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction within the individual, man behaves in a manner both quantitatively and qualitatively different from before.

He behaves quantitatively different in that more brain cells are operant or activated than previously, and qualitatively different in that brain system or networks become activated to permit ways of thinking, perceiving, valuing, etc., not present before.

Consequently, Graves maintains, one may view the psychology of the mature human organism as an unfolding or emergent process marked by progressive subordination of older systems in favor or newer, higher order systems. However, while the mature human tends to change his psychology as the conditions of his existence change, a particular human may not be genetically or constitutionally programmed to change, even if his existential conditions change.

Therefore the biologically mature human may move, given certain conditions, through a hierarchically ordered series of systems to some equifinal end, or may travel, behaviorally, infinitely on. Graves suggests that some nine levels of hierarchically ordered behavioral change can be delineated, from which one can determine where an individual, society, culture, or organization is within the hierarchy, and where each may move next, if certain conditions arise. (For the following discussion see Appendix 1)

Graves states that of the nine levels, the first subsistence or Animalistic Level, derived largely from anthropological data, is no longer open to view in normal man. While the second through fifth subsistence levels, as well as the first being level, are open to view at the present time, the remaining three can be seen only in dim outline form.

Since this experiment tests for perceptual readiness evidence of the most frequently observed levels, the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth, discussion will be limited to them.

Graves indicates that one may describe the ethical and value systems which emerge from each behavioral level⁵, as well as point out the principles appropriate to successful management and control of  behavior at each level.⁶

Third Level behavior is that of an organism awakened to a flood of stimulation from within and without. This influx of stimulation, which the individual cannot identify, comprehend, or control produces what Graves calls a state of Frightened Existence.

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