Dynamical Systems in Social Psychology

Dynamical Systems in Social Psychology PDF

Author: Robin R. Vallacher

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 1994-01-11

Total Pages: 338

ISBN-13:

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A dynamical system refers to a set of elements that interact in complex, often nonlinear ways to form coherent patterns. Because of the complexity of these interactions, the system as a whole may evolve over time in seemingly unpredictable ways as new patterns of behavior emerge. This metatheory has proven useful in understanding diverse phenomena in meteorology, population biology, statistical mechanics, economics, and cosmology. The book demonstrates how the dynamical systems perspective can be applied to theory construction and research in social psychology, and in doing so, provides fresh insight into such complex phenomena as interpersonal behavior, social relations, attitudes, and social cognition.

Qualitative Theory of Dynamical Systems, Tools and Applications for Economic Modelling

Qualitative Theory of Dynamical Systems, Tools and Applications for Economic Modelling PDF

Author: Gian Italo Bischi

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-06-02

Total Pages: 327

ISBN-13: 3319332767

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The book presents the lectures delivered during a short course held at Urbino University in summer 2015 on qualitative theory of dynamical systems, included in the activities of the COST Action IS1104 “The EU in the new economic complex geography: models, tools and policy evaluation”. It provides a basic introduction to dynamical systems and optimal control both in continuous and discrete time, as well as some numerical methods and applications in economic modelling. Economic and social systems are intrinsically dynamic, characterized by interdependence, nonlinearity and complexity, and these features can only be approached using a qualitative analysis based on the study of invariant sets (equilibrium points, limit cycles and more complex attractors, together with the boundaries of their basins of attraction), which requires a trade-off between analytical, geometrical and numerical methods. Even though the early steps of the qualitative theory of dynamical systems have been in continuous time models, in economic and social modelling discrete time is often used to describe event-driven (often decision-driven) evolving systems. The book is written for Ph.D. and master’s students, post-doctoral fellows, and researchers in economics or sociology, and it only assumes a basic knowledge of calculus. However it also suggests some more advanced topics.

The Atlas of Social Complexity

The Atlas of Social Complexity PDF

Author: Brian Castellani

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2024-06-05

Total Pages: 509

ISBN-13: 178990952X

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Embark on a riveting journey through the study of social complexity with The Atlas of Social Complexity. Over three decades of scientific exploration unfold, unravelling the enigmatic threads that compose the fabric of society. From the dance of bacteria, to human-machine interactions, to the ever-shifting dynamics of power in social networks, this Atlas maps the evolution of our understanding of social complexity.

Chaos And Complexity

Chaos And Complexity PDF

Author: Michael R. Butz

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2018-05-11

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 1351461869

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The nature of this book is to emphasize the inherent complexity and richness of the human experience of change. Now, the author believes there to be an acceptable "scientific" explanation for this phenomona. Explored here are 30 years of studies to describe nonlinear dynamics, today termed either chaos theory or complexity theory. The connotations of both theories are discussed at length. Offering social scientists validation in their attempts to describe and define phenomona of a previously ineffable nature, this book explores chaos' implications for psychology and the social sciences. It describes the benefits psychology can glean from using ideas in chaos theory and applying them to psychology in general, individual psycho-therapy, couples therapy, and community psychology, and also considers possible directions for research and application.

Chaos and Complexity in Psychology

Chaos and Complexity in Psychology PDF

Author: Stephen J. Guastello

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2008-11-10

Total Pages: 1020

ISBN-13: 1139867261

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While many books have discussed methodological advances in nonlinear dynamical systems theory (NDS), this volume is unique in its focus on NDS's role in the development of psychological theory. After an introductory chapter covering the fundamentals of chaos, complexity and other nonlinear dynamics, subsequent chapters provide in-depth coverage of each of the specific topic areas in psychology. A concluding chapter takes stock of the field as a whole, evaluating important challenges for the immediate future. The chapters are written by experts in the use of NDS in each of their respective areas, including biological, cognitive, developmental, social, organizational and clinical psychology. Each chapter provides an in-depth examination of theoretical foundations and specific applications and a review of relevant methods. This edited collection represents the state of the art in NDS science across the disciplines of psychology.

Chaos and Nonlinear Psychology

Chaos and Nonlinear Psychology PDF

Author: David Schuldberg

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2022

Total Pages: 449

ISBN-13: 0190465026

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The pandemic, and our response to it, has shown how unpredictable, irrational, illogical, suddenly changing, and muddled human interactions can be in a time of crisis. How can we make sense of such confusing and baffling behavior? This book reveals how chaos and nonlinear dynamics can bring new understanding to everyday topics in social sciences. It brings together chapters from leaders at the intersection of psychology and chaos and complexity theories. Conceptual and user-friendly, it is built around six themes: 1) Seeing nonlinearity, 2) Finding patterns, 3) using Simple models, 4) Intervening nonlinearly, and 6) teaching a new Worldview. It takes no specialized study-although there is more sophisticated material and optional math for those wishing it. The techie will, in addition, find concepts and diagrams to ponder. The volume is engaging, at times startling-whether about the weather, Internet, organizations, family dynamics, health, evolution, or falling in love. It reveals how many social, personal, clinical, research, and life phenomena become understandable and can be modelled in the light of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems (NDS) theory. It even offers a broadening worldview, happening already in other sciences, toward a more dynamic, interconnected, and evolving picture, including process-oriented appreciation of one's own experience. The book offers those in the field of psychology and the social sciences a stunning new perspective on human behaviour.

Modeling Complex Systems

Modeling Complex Systems PDF

Author: John William Shuart

Publisher: U of Nebraska Press

Published: 2007-01-01

Total Pages: 359

ISBN-13: 0803213883

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Describes contemporary approach to the modeling of complex cognitive and behavioral processes. This book provides examples of translational research ranging from clinical neuropsychology to self-actualization, from medical informatics to industrial psychology, from programmed learning to psychiatric rehabilitation.

Data Analytic Techniques for Dynamical Systems

Data Analytic Techniques for Dynamical Systems PDF

Author: Steven M Boker

Publisher: Psychology Press

Published: 2012-10-12

Total Pages: 259

ISBN-13: 113561153X

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Each volume in the Notre Dame Series on Quantitative Methodology features leading methodologists and substantive experts who provide instruction on innovative techniques designed to enhance quantitative skills in a substantive area. This latest volume focuses on the methodological issues and analyses pertinent to understanding psychological data from a dynamical system perspective. Dynamical systems analysis (DSA) is increasingly used to demonstrate time-dependent variable change. It is used more and more to analyze a variety of psychological phenomena such as relationships, development and aging, emotional regulation, and perceptual processes. The book opens with the best occasions for using DSA methods. The final two chapters focus on the application of dynamical systems methods to problems in psychology such as substance use and gestural dynamics. In addition, it reviews how and when to use: time series models from a discrete time perspective stochastic differential equations in continuous time estimating continuous time differential equation models multilevel models of differential equations to estimate within-person dynamics and the corresponding population means new SEM models for dynamical systems data Data Analytic Techniques for Dynamical Systems is beneficial to advanced students and researchers in the areas of developmental psychology, family studies, language processes, cognitive neuroscience, social and personality psychology, medicine, and emotion. Due to the book’s instructive nature, it serves as an excellent text for advanced courses on this particular technique.