Cited by 309Chaos, Complexity, and EducationComplex Systems and DynamicsEmbodied and Extended Cognition

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Chaos, self-organization, and psychology.

Barton, Scott·1994·American Psychologist

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Abstract

A variety of investigators in recent years have proposed models of psychological systems based on the concepts of chaos, nonlinear dynamics, and self-organization. Unfortunately, psychologists in general have little understanding of these important ideas. These terms are defined, and their relationships are discussed. The value of applying these concepts to psychological systems is demonstrated by exploring their utility in areas ranging from neuroscience to clinical psychology. Some of the difficulties in using nonlinear concepts and methodologies in empirical investigations are also discussed.

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Authors: Barton, S.
Affiliations: Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (US)
Corresponding author: Barton, Scott
Venue: American Psychologist
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 1994
Volume: 49
Issue: 1
Pages: 5-14
ISSN: 0003-066X (ISSN-L)
1935-990X
DOI: 10.1037/0003-066x.49.1.5
OpenAlex: W1992788167
Cited by: 309
References: 0
Citations by year: 2026: 2 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 10 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 11 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 4
FWCI: 26.31
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: American Psychologist (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Education › Chaos, Complexity, and Education
Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Statistical and Nonlinear Physics › Complex Systems and Dynamics
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Embodied and Extended Cognition
Keywords: chaos theory, self-organization, nonlinear dynamics, psychological systems, clinical psychology
MeSH terms: Animals, Arousal, Attention, Brain, Electroencephalography, Humans, Synaptic Transmission, Psychophysiology, Nonlinear Dynamics

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Chaos, self-organization, and psychology.

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