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

Accepted Answer

Dynamic systems theory (DST) focuses on explaining 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.

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

Accepted Answer

Dynamic systems theory applies to all systems, regardless of their size and complexity, from the microscopic level of cells to the macroscopic level of societies. It is not limited to organic or mechanical systems, nor is it restricted by the number of elements within a system.

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

Accepted Answer

Concepts from systems theory have been applied to various fields of science such as biology, chemistry, and psychology, as well as to fields such as architecture, engineering, and computer science.

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

Accepted Answer

"Probabilistic epigenesis" is a term used in developmental psychology and biology to describe the idea that development is a complex process influenced by multiple factors that interact and affect each other in unpredictable ways. This means that the direction of development is not predetermined and may vary based on environmental or genetic factors. Option A is incorrect because probabilistic epigenesis does not argue against causation, but rather recognizes that causation is multicausal and complex. Option C is incorrect because it refers to probability and uncertainty in a different context than developmental biology. Option D is incorrect because it is a quote from a movie and does not relate to probabilistic epigenesis.

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

Accepted Answer

A dynamic system is one that constantly adapts and changes in order to maintain its equilibrium or balance. This is often seen in biological systems, as they constantly adjust to changes in the environment and other internal factors. Choices B, C, and D are not appropriate because they do not describe this concept of a continuously changing system.

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

Accepted Answer

Open systems take in energy from the environment, transform it into some type of product that is characteristic of the system, and export the product into the environment. Therefore, all of the above choices are features of open systems.

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

Accepted Answer

These patterns or stable states are known as attractor states, which exert a "pull" on the system towards a particular outcome or behavior.

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

Accepted Answer

Dynamic systems theory views development as an emergent process, where the complex interaction of various systems (e.g. neural, behavioral, environmental) result in new patterns of behaviors and abilities. This process is nonlinear, meaning that small changes can have large effects and that there are multiple pathways to the same outcome.

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

Accepted Answer

Self-organization refers to the process by which simpler elements come together to form more complex entities or behaviors. Through self-organization, patterns and structures can emerge, even without the need for a central controller or planner. This phenomenon is observed in a wide range of systems, from biological organisms to social networks and economies.

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

Accepted Answer

The term "disequilibrium" refers to a state of imbalance or instability in a system, where the system's adaptive functions are not able to adequately address current fluctuations in the system's environment or internal functioning. This can result in a variety of negative outcomes, from dysfunction to breakdown or collapse, and signals the need for some kind of adaptive response or change in order to restore equilibrium. Choices A, C, and D are all incorrect because they do not accurately describe this particular phenomenon.

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

Accepted Answer

Fischer and Bidell's model of development is conceptualized as a "constructive web," emphasizing the interconnectedness and complexity of developmental processes, rather than a linear or hierarchical progression.

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

Accepted Answer

The specific context and advancement from novice to expert level suggest the study of skills, which is the correct answer. Memories, unconscious wishes, and insights are not necessarily linked to this direction of dynamic systems theory.

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

Accepted Answer

Mutually hostile interactions (A) and permissive interactions (B) can both contribute to the development of a child's antisocial behaviors. In mutually hostile interactions, the reciprocal hostility can reinforce negative behaviors. In permissive interactions, the lack of corrective feedback for hostile behavior can allow such behaviors to persist or escalate.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the difference between the use of...

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does dynamic systems theory explain how...

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?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast Fischer's model of dynamic...

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the way Granic and Patterson apply...

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?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the A-not-B task? How does...

Quiz 11: Dynamic Systems Theory

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

Which statement about dynamic systems theory is true?

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

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

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

What is a feature of open systems?

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?

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

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

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 ____________?

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__________?

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?

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

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.

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?

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.

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?