ABSTRACT
It becomes apparent that overcoming the traditional separation between studies of cognition, external behavior and motivation is essential for increasing the efficiency of ergonomics. A general approach that attempts to integrate cognitive, behavioral and motivational components of behavior into a holistic system is called the theory of activity. The conceptual apparatus in this approach differs significantly from those applied in behavioral or cognitive psychology. The term “activity” here derives from this conceptual apparatus and is exclusively restricted to human behavior and cognition. Psychologists who take part in the development of this approach emphasize that there is a big difference between human and nonhuman psychic processes and behavior. Humans, because of their ability to use language, can acquire knowledge of events that they have not actually experienced. Language allows an individual to consciously evaluate potential consequences of a specific behavior. The psychic processes of humans are developed not only according to the biological laws but also according to the laws of social-historical evolution (Vygotsky 1956). Through evolution, work activity and social interaction shaped human consciousness (Rubinshtein 1959; Leont’ev 1977). Tools made by people determine the specificity of their actions. One generation can transfer its experiences to another through actions and operations, which are to be carried out by means of specific tools. The theory of activity uses mental and motor actions performed by the person as the major units of analysis in the study of human behavior.
