The TOTE Model

T.O.T.E. stands for Test-Operate-Test-Exit. It represents a fundamental structure for understanding and modeling human behavior and strategies.

Starting point: You begin with a specific current state and aim for a particular desired state. The process begins by comparing the current situation with the desired outcome (Test). If this comparison shows that the goal hasn’t yet been achieved, this feedback is used to take action and make adjustments (Operate). Then the result is compared again to the desired state (Test). If the goal has been achieved, the process ends (Exit). If there’s still a difference, another round of operation and testing occurs. This model elegantly describes the basic feedback structure underlying all purposeful human behavior.

Example: Hammering a nail into a wall.

Someone has a hammer and a nail. The current state is that both are in their hand. The goal is for the nail to be in the wall. They hit the nail with the hammer (Operate) and then check if the nail is now in the wall (Test). If yes, the process ends (Exit). If not, they continue the process with more adjustments — additional hammer strikes — until the goal is reached.