Chaos and Complexity in Psychology: The Theory of Nonlinear Dynamical Systems

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521887267 ISBN 13: 9780521887267

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2008

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.

Book Description:

Nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS) theory is the study of how complex processes unfold over time and is sometimes known as chaos theory or complexity theory. This book reports recent landmark developments and the state of the art in NDS science in psychological theory and research. The introductory chapter covers the basic principles of the NDS and how they relate. Subsequent chapters provide in-depth coverage of areas including neuroscience, psychophysics, sensation, perception, cognition, and developmental, social, organizational, and clinical psychology. The concluding chapter takes stock of the field as a whole.

About the Author:

Stephen J. Guastello is Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, where his teaching and research specialize in industrial-organizational psychology, human factors engineering and ergonomics, and statistics. He is the author of Chaos, Catastrophe, and Human Affairs, Managing Emergent Phenomena, and Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics and is the founding editor of the journal Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences.