Dynamical Systems in Social Psychology (Hardcover)

A dynamical system refers to any fluctuating system in which the elements interact in complex, often non-linear 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 dynamical systems is sometimes referred to as "chaos theory." This metatheory has proved useful in understanding phenomenon in meteorology, population biology, chemistry, statistical mechanics, economics, and cosmology. The book demonstrates how the dynamical system perspective can be brought to bear on social psychological research in explaining such complex phenomenon as social relations, attitudes, social cognition, and interpersonal behavior.