1. The Social Use of Space 133 



However, in most instances, I shall continue to consider fj. = (dv/A) as 

 previously. But when so doing, it must be understood that d is used in the 

 sense of its S response-evoking capacity. 



When S changes from 1.0 to 2.0 for the reasons relating to Eq. (99), n 

 will no longer be m6 = (dv/A) = 1.0, but /x will then become (2dv/A) = 

 2.0. Inserting fx = 2.0 into Eq. (78), in which fx' remains 1.0, for the special 

 case where A^";, = 12, then No becomes 6.5. This means that in the presence 

 of conflicting values group size must be reduced for each individual to 

 maintain its do, its optimum level of satiation from social interaction. In- 

 crease in fi follows increases in d or v, or decrease in A. Regardless of the 

 origin of the increase in /z, reduction in group size should follow. 



Such reduction in group size should not be instantaneous. Consider 

 Nb = 12, ab = 0.091 and n = 2.0 and the group has not yet fragmented. 

 From Eq. (82) it is obvious that Nb = Ni, when Ho = 2.0 and a = ab, 

 and that da, the deficit in satiation from social interaction, will be as great 

 as if /x had remained unchanged at 1 .0 and Nb increased to [1 + 2 ( A^6 — 1 ) ]. 

 [Refer to Section XIII, B, 2.] This is a very interesting consequence for 

 it means that when n increases to 2.0, Nb = Ni. Recall that Ni is that N 

 at which an increment in N brings about the greatest change in dd. Since 

 groups do resist division and since any increase in /x is likely to be gradual, 

 the most likely time for fragmentation of the group is when fx becomes 2.0 

 and Nb = Ni. Then Nb will divide into two groups approximating No 

 determined by Eq. (78). Roughly, this says that when the ease of com- 

 munication doubles as a result of a doubling of the response-evoking 

 capacity S, the group will approximately divide in half if it is to optimize 

 satiation from social interaction. 



This process of halving the basic group size each time the ease of com- 

 munication becomes twdce as efficient cannot continue long if Nb = 12, 

 because by the fourth doubling of fx, sexual reproduction could no longer 

 be tolerated. That is, No would be less than two individuals. The practice 

 of divorce by the human animal reflects this process. We now have another 

 question raised: "What avenue of adaptation or adjustment is open if Nb 

 remains 12 and i remains unchanged at uV 



Although Id theoretically may be defined in terms of attributes of d, v, 

 and A external to the organism, any solution to this question demands 

 that n must in effect be reduced back to 1.0 by some compensating 

 mechanism. 



This mechanism which alters the probability of a contact being socially 

 perceived has been called n'. In Eqs. (38) to (55) it was shown that mm' 

 represents the appropriate interaction between these two factors. So far 

 /x' has been elaborated no further, /xju' then becomes the communication 

 constant, more explicitly stated as {dv/A)ix. Since m can vary as a result 

 of any one of its contained factors, d, v, or A, fluctuating alone, one cannot 



