[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Systems Organize Information in Mind and Nature (S)

## Details

**Authors** Cabrera D, Cabrera L, Cabrera E

**Year** 2022

**Publisher** Systems 10(2):44

**Kind of work** article

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.3390/systems10020044) 
10.3390/systems10020044

## In authors' words

### Abstract

Part-whole Systems (S) structure is foundational to a diverse array of phenomena such as belonging and containment, networks, statistics, reductionism, holism, etc. and is extremely similar if not synonymous with sets, sorts, groups, combinations and combinatorics, clusters, etc. In Cabrera (1998), part-whole Systems (S) or “S-rule” is established as one of four universals for the organization of information and thus is foundational to systems and systems thinking as well as the consilience of knowledge. In this paper, seven empirical studies are presented in which (unless otherwise noted) subjects completed a task. Ranging from n = 407 to n = 34,398, the sample sizes vary for each study but are generalizeable to a normal distribution of the US population. With high statistical significance, the results of these studies support the predictions made by DSRP Theory regarding part-whole Systems (a.k.a., “S-rule”) including: the universality of S-rule as an observable phenomenon in both mind (cognitive complexity) and nature (ontological complexity) (i.e., parallelism); the internal structures and dynamics of S-rule; S-rule’s mutual dependencies on other universals of DSRP (Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives (i.e., Distinctions, Relationships, and Perspectives); the role S-rule plays in making structural predictions; and, S-rule’s efficacy as a metacognitive skill. In conclusion, these data suggest the observable and empirical existence, universality, efficacy, and parallelism (between cognitive and ontological complexity) of part-whole Systems (S).

### What they found (results)

Six familiar items produced 246 distinct named wholes. Completing the part–whole pattern succeeded for 88.86% of subjects. Supplying the whole rather than letting subjects generate it changed performance, isolating construction of the whole as the operative step.

## Commentary

### Response

Shows that a whole is not read off the parts but constructed, and that part and whole are separately manipulable. 246 wholes from six objects is the clearest single demonstration that grouping is generative rather than given.

**Patterns it shows** S

## Studies reported in this

- Complete the Whole (N = 395)
- Not Red Circle
- Sort Buttons
- Sort Stuff (n = 320)

## Questions it bears on

- Q1. [What is thinking (T)?](https://dsrpevidence.org/question/what-thinking)
- Q2. [What is organization (O)?](https://dsrpevidence.org/question/what-organization)
- Q3. [Does this organization (O) exist in the mind, and in what minds produce?](https://dsrpevidence.org/question/completeness-mind)
- Q26. [Can mental fitness and its mechanisms be measured?](https://dsrpevidence.org/question/fitness-measurable)

**How to cite this** Cabrera D, Cabrera L, Cabrera E (2022). Systems Organize Information in Mind and Nature (S). Systems 10(2):44.