Dynamical Systems in Social Psychology [Hardcover]

Robin R. Vallacher (Author), Andrzej Nowak (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0127099905 | ISBN-13: 978-0127099903 | Publication Date: January 25, 1994 | Edition: 1

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Vallacher and Nowak's Dynamical Systems in Social Psychology presents an attempt at overcoming the ambivalent relationship between theory and phenomena that has haunted psychology for so long. The collection of essays addresses the problems of social psychology in particular, but much of what the authors are saying applies easily to other fields in psychology... Probably for the first time in social psychology, Vallacher and Nowak have brought together a number of authors who try to establish a link between the concepts and tools of dynamic systems on the one hand and the problems, data, and theories of social psychology on the other... The book, probably the first of its kind, provides a very interesting, accessible and informative introduction to a new and exciting approach to social psychology."
--PAUL VAN GEERT, University of Groningen, The Netherlands, in SCIENCE

From the Back Cover

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 305 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 1 edition (January 25, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0127099905
• ISBN-13: 978-0127099903
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,731,992 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must read for those interested in human interaction, September 25, 2000

By 

Michael. J. Richardson (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dynamical Systems in Social Psychology (Hardcover)

Dynamical systems in social psychology contains twelve independently written chapters on the dynamics of social interaction, perception and information. It centers on a the growing discipline of non-linear dynamics and it's application to human development and relations. Many of the authors are leaders within their respective disciplines (social psychology, non-linear dynamics, human movement and physics) and describe - discuss the topic with thought provoking insight and understanding. It clearly demonstrates the capabilities of dynamical systems theory for social psychologists and raises a number of questions to both broaden and direct future research and investigation in the area. Its only downfall is the complex material it deals with, making it difficult for those without a prior understanding of dynamical systems to follow. Nevertheless, it is an essential book for all those serious about the development of social psychology as a science and the application of non-linear dynamics to psychology as a whole.