Deck 11: Dynamic Systems Theory

Question 1

What is the focus of dynamic systems theory (DST)?

A) to explain how new, complex patterns or properties of behavior come into existence as a result of simpler components or processes that are already part of a system
B) to explain how life on earth evolved from simpler to more complex organisms
C) to explain how mental life emerges from simpler cognitive processes such as attention to higher mental processes like problem solving
D) to explain how social relationships transform a person's worldview and sense of self

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Which statement about dynamic systems theory is true?

A) the theory applies only to living, organic systems
B) the theory applies only to mechanical systems
C) the theory applies to all systems from the microscopic level of cells to the macroscopic level of societies
D) the theory applies to systems that have ten elements or more

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Concepts from systems theory have been applied to which fields of science?

A) biology
B) chemistry
C) psychology
D) all of the above

Answer 3

D

Question 4

What is the meaning of the term "probabilistic epigenesis"?

A) there is no such thing as causation; all relationships are a result of chance
B) development is a product of many factors that influence one another; the direction of development is not predetermined
C) when thinking about the future, a person needs to consider the likelihood of many possible outcomes
D) life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you are going to get

Question 5

A __________ is one that continuously changes in order to carry out its functions and to preserve its equilibrium or balanc?

A) dynamic system
B) social norm
C) core pathology
D) proximal process

Question 6

What is a feature of open systems?

A) they take in energy from the environment
B) they transform energy into some type of product that is characteristic of the system
C) they export the product into the environment
D) all of the above

Question 7

In line with the idea of probabilistic epigenisis, dynamic systems theory suggests that organisms change in the direction of recurrent patterns or stable states which can be modified depending on the circumstances. What is the term for these patterns or stable states?

A) best loved states
B) attractor states
C) states of desired direction
D) magnetic states

Question 8

In dynamic systems theory, the process of developmental change is referred to as ___?

A) emergence
B) collaborative posturing
C) nanochange
D) alternative reality

Question 9

The basic mechanism that accounts for the emergence of more complex behaviors from simpler elements i? _________?

A) self-awareness
B) self-organization
C) self-sustaining reform
D) self?other interactions

Question 10

When the adaptive functions of the system are not adequate to address current fluctuations either internal or external to the system, the system is said to be in ____________?

A) trouble
B) disequilibrium
C) psychosocial crisis
D) epigenetic neurosis

Question 11

Rather than thinking of developmental outcomes as moving up a ladder toward new levels of maturity, Fischer and Bidell proposed thinking of development in terms of a__________?

A) nest
B) spiral staircase
C) constructive web
D) river

Question 12

One new direction of dynamic systems theory is the study of _________, actions that take place in specific contexts and that advance from novice to expert level?

A) memories
B) unconscious wishes
C) insights
D) skills

Question 13

Through a process of repeated interactions, parents and their children form attractor states that characterize their relationship. Through the study of these behaviors, one can observe the gradual emergence of hostile, anti-social behaviors. Which of the following parent?child interactions is likely to be associated with the child's antisocial behaviors?

A) mutually hostile interactions (parent-hostile, child-hostile)
B) permissive interactions (child-hostile, parent neutral or positive)
C) redirecting interactions (child-hostile, parent-negative and then positive)
D) both A and B

Question 14

Explain the difference between the use of the term "development" and the term "emergence." Why does dynamic systems theory prefer the latter?

Question 15

How does dynamic systems theory explain how more complex capacities emerge from simpler forms that exist within the system? Give an example of this process.

Question 16

Compare and contrast Fischer's model of dynamic skill development with Vygotsky's concept of the zone of proximal development. What are the similarities and differences in the ways these theories explain how more advanced abilities emerge from less competent or complex forms?

Question 17

Discuss the way Granic and Patterson apply dynamic systems theory to the study of antisocial behavior. What ideas guide their approach? Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.

Question 18

What is the A-not-B task? How does the research on this topic illustrate concepts from dynamic systems theory? What are some broader implications of this research for understanding the emergence of cognitive problem solving?