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rameworks (which have produced actual research) |
The following is a synopsis of complex systems, and related, frameworks which have resulted in actual real world research in qualitative social science.
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Collective variables associated with phase transitions of human development |
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Principal protagonists: |
Esther Thelen & Linda Smith |
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Variables: |
Control Parameters, Collective Variable |
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Units of Analysis: |
Observable and quantifiable activity/behavior |
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Domain: |
Temporal (microgenetic through ontogenetic) |
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Representation: |
Visual (graphical) |
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Purpose: |
To give a microgenetic account of phase transitions; illustrate how the ‘same’ cognitive/motor function can develop in many different ways; explore the commonalities between these different ways of developing the same cognitive/motor function. |
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Influences: |
Dynamical Systems theory (Mathematics) Sociocultural theory (Vygotsky) |
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References include: Atkins, M. S. (2000). Dynamical analysis of infant social referencing. Unpublished Masters Thesis, West Virginia University. Available online: http://etd.wvu.edu/ETDS/E1487/atkins_m_etd.pdf Eckerman, C. (1993). Toddler’s achievement of coordinated action with conspecifics: a dynamic systems perspective. A dynamic systems approach to development: applications. L. B. Smith & E. Thelen. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Fogel, A. & E. Thelen (1987). Development of early expressive and communicative action: Reinterpreting the evidence from a dynamic systems perspective. Developmental Psychology, 23: 747-761. Thelen, E., D. Corbetta, et al. (1993). “The transition to reaching: mapping intention and intrinsic dynamics.” Child Development 64 : 1058-1098. Thelen, E. and L. Smith (1994). A dynamic systems approach to the development of cognition and action. Cambridge, MA, Bradford Books/MIT Press. |
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Chatastrophe Theory Explanations of Transitions in Human Development |
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Principal protagonists: |
Paul van Geert; van der Maas |
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Variables: |
Control parameters; Order parameter |
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Units of Analysis: |
Observable, quantified behaviour on microscopic level. |
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Domain: |
Temporal (microscopic and macroscopic) |
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Representation: |
Visual (graphical) |
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Influences: |
Stage theories of cognitive development (in particular Piaget). |
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Purpose: |
Explaining qualitative macroscopic transitions (order parameter) by mapping quantitative microscopic events (control parameters) |
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Neo-behavioral Real-time Multi-level Visual Pattern Identification |
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Principal protagonist: |
Magnusson |
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Magnusson, M.S. (1996) "Hidden Real-Time Patterns in Intra- and Inter-Individual Behavior: Description and Detection." European Journal of Psychological Assessment, Vol. 12, Issue 2, p. 112-123. Salthe Pianta & Walsh Cameron Syversen Herdina & Jessner SCTLSC (Guasetello, Dooley, etc) Luhmann Activity theory |
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Complexity: |
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Emergence: |
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Simplicity: |
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Collective Variable: |
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Control Parameter: |
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Order Parameter: |
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Phase Space: |
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State Space: |
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Time Scale: |
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Attractor: |
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Affordance: |
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Co-adaptation: |
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Self-organisation: |
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Collective Variable: |
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Collective Variable: |
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Dynamical Description: |
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