Internalization and Externalization

AT describes the mechanisms underlying the mental processes as internalization and externalization.

Mental processes such as remembering, recalling, analyzing, planning, imaginings, simulating, calculating, etc. are derived from external actions through the course of internalization. We "remember and recall" or "analyze" when we need to respond to some people or things. We remember and recall things "selectively" subjected to our interest, needs, and the context and state we are in. We analyze using our prior knowledge and experience, values and beliefs, and come to an "understanding". We then manifest (externalize) these mental processes by peforming some actions, to verify or correct our memory or understanding.

Internalization is the transformation of external activities into internal ones. Hands-on activities and tools are curcial for internalization. Internalization provides a means for people to try potential interactions with reality without performing actual manipulation with real objects. e.g. mental calculations, simulations, imagining, etc. The process of internalization can help to identify an optimal way to perform action before performing the action externally.

Externalization transforms intenal activities into external ones. Externalization is necessary when an internalized activities need to be verified or corrected. It is important when a collaboration between several people requires their activities to be performed externally in order to be coordinated.

AT holds that internal activities cannot be understood if they are analyzed separately, in isolation from external activities, because they are mutual transformations between these two kinds of activites.

It is the constant transformation between external and internal activities that is the very basis of human cognition and practice.