Optimization: In-Depth Examination and Proposition

Abstract

One notable concept that is of interest is a person’s state of optimal functioning . Achieving optimal functioning (e.g., subjective well-being at school), aside from personal autonomy, requires some form of “optimization.” Optimization , we argue, is more than just an “enhancement,” a “predictive effect,” and/or a “causal flow” between an independent variable (IV) and a dependent variable (DV). We note from existing literature that optimization has often been referred to without a clear, definitive explanation of what this term actually entails. At the same time, we acknowledge that unlike other areas of development (e.g., engagement), no theoretical article is available to explain the concept of optimization. This article considers a number of theoretical tenets for advancement: (1) the tenet of three major criteria that could assist in the explanation, assessment, and measurement of optimization, (2) the tenet of the development of a methodological conceptualization that could measure and assess optimization, and (3) the tenet of the “quantification” of optimization, and in particular, a proposed index of optimization and a corresponding scientific notation of “ γ ”, which we coin as an “optimizing effect.” Overall, we contend that this examination is insightful and holistic, seeking clarity into an important topical theme in psychology.

Future Time Perspective and the Achievement of Optimal Best: Reflections, Conceptualizations, and Future Directions for Development

“…How does an extended FTP assist in the achievement of an optimal level of best practice? In this analysis, we rationalize that a deep or long timespan into the future may act in tandem with, and/or form part of, the process of optimization (Fraillon, 2004;Phan and Ngu, 2017a;Phan et al, 2017Phan et al, , 2019c. Our conceptualization, illustrated in Figure 1, shows a person's FTP acting as a psychological agent of change.…”

“…According to Phan et al's (2019c) theorization, the combination of Pathway A, Pathway B, and Pathway C constitutes an "optimizing effect, " which the authors term "γ." Aside from this positing of γ, the authors also proposed as an "Index of Optimization" (IO) where this equates with the following: (L2−L1) × γ, where (L2−L1) = quantitative difference between L 1 and L 2 .…”

“…The enactment and/or the operational functioning of optimization is postulated to result in and to account for the achievement of optimal best, whereas inactive optimization is likely to give way to ineffective learning and sub-optimal achievements. Optimization, in this case, is more than just testament of an association between two variables (Phan et al, 2019c). A positive correlation (r), in this case, is somewhat limited and does not explain and/or reflect the full scope of the process of optimization.…”

Introducing the Study of Life and Death Education to Support the Importance of Positive Psychology: An Integrated Model of Philosophical Beliefs, Religious Faith, and Spirituality

“…In a similar vein, of course, there are underlying operational mechanisms or principles (Tsai, 2008) that may contribute to assist and facilitate in the achievement of different life course trajectories. In the course of a person's life as a university student, say, he/she may rely on the process of optimization (Phan et al, 2017(Phan et al, , 2019a(Phan et al, , 2020b as an operational mechanism to assist with his/her schooling experiences. In a similar vein, another person's life trajectory as a senior citizen may consist of his/her social relatedness to others.…”

“…Methodological appropriateness, from our point of view, may explain limitations, as well as the ineffectiveness, inconsistency, and inaccuracy of established findings of empirical research. Poignant to this discussion, though, is the fact that the topic of methodological appropriateness (Phan et al, 2019a(Phan et al, , 2020a is also associated with conceptualizations and theorizations drawn from philosophical reasoning, theoretical psychology, and non-scientific intuitions. In other words, it is still plausible for researchers to consider the relevance and applicability of methodological appropriateness for esoteric and non-scientific matters.…”