Dynamical Systems in Social Psychology

A dynamical system is any fluctuating system in which the elements interact in complex, often nonlinear, ways to form coherent patterns. Many systems once thought to be chaotic are in fact dynamical systems whose interaction of elements and feedback processes are only now beginning to be understood. Hence, the study of dynamical systems is sometimes referred to as "chaos theory." This metatheory has proved useful in mechanics, economics, and cosmology. This book demonstrates how the dynamical systems perspective can explain such social psychological research phenomena as social relations, attitudes, social cognition, and interpersonal behavior. Readers will first become familiar with what a dynamical system is, how it operates, and the methodology for studying such a system. The book then applies the dynamical system perspective to the study of specific topics in social behavior and social cognition. The book concludes with a discussion of the implications of dynamical systems theory for social psychological research and recommends other topics and issues in social psychology that may benefit from investigations using a dynamical system approach.Vallacher, Robin R. is the author of 'Dynamical Systems in Social Psychology' with ISBN 9780127099903 and ISBN 0127099905.