This article is part of the Amateur Social Scientist Hub.
If familiar paths guide behavior reliably, new directions begin through repeated use of different responses.
In the Cow Path Model of Change™, New Cow Paths are patterns that form when a person consistently responds differently in familiar situations.
New Cow Paths form through repetition.
A situation appears, a different response is chosen, and over time that response begins to establish a new route.
Repeated use makes the new path more available.
The Internal Robot follows familiar routes, but it can also learn new ones.
As different responses are repeated, they become easier for the system to follow.
A person may begin approaching a familiar situation differently.
They may respond in a new way to a recurring challenge.
Over time, these repeated differences begin forming new patterns.
Old paths remain active even as new ones begin forming.
New paths require repeated use before they become reliable.
New Cow Paths represent the development of new behavioral routes through repeated responses.
They form alongside existing paths as behavior begins to shift.
New Cow Paths form through repeated use of different responses in familiar situations.
As these responses are repeated, they become more available and easier for the Internal Robot to follow.
Old paths may still appear, but new routes begin forming alongside them.
The next step is understanding how these new paths are organized and maintained.
Next: Organizing the Filing Cabinet
This article reflects the Amateur Social Scientist approach. Explore the full hub.
© Terri Lee Cooper – Cow Path Model of Change™