ERIC Number: EJ732005
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 35
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0273-2297
EISSN: N/A
Explaining After by Before: Basic Aspects of a Dynamic Systems Approach to the Study of Development
van Geert, Paul; Steenbeek, Henderien
Developmental Review, v25 n3-4 p408-442 Sep-Dec 2005
The basic properties of a dynamic systems approach of development are illustrated by contrasting two simple equations. One equation is characteristic of dynamic systems models. The other refers to what, for the sake of simplicity, is referred to as the standard developmental approach. We give illustrations from cognitive, language and social development to show the characteristic differences of these two types of models and show their complementarity. The article further compares the ''Bloomington'' with the ''Groningen'' approach to dynamic systems theorizing in developmental psychology. It continues with a discussion of two important questions. One involves the issue of measurement and the nature of developmental variables from the viewpoint of dynamic systems. The second concerns the question of short- and long-term time scales in developmental models, which is discussed on the basis of an example, namely dyadic interaction of young children in the context of different social statuses.
Descriptors: Systems Approach, Mathematical Models, Developmental Psychology, Comparative Analysis, Social Development, Language Acquisition, Cognitive Development, Measurement, Time, Measures (Individuals), Young Children
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A