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A dynamic systems model of cognitive and language growth.
Abstract
In the first part of the article, a conceptual framework is sketched to define cognitive growth, including language growth, as a process of growth under limited resources. Important concepts are the process, level, and rate of growth; minimal structural growth level; carrying capacity and unutilized capacity for growth; and feedback delay. Second, a mathematical model of cognitive growth under limited resources is presented, with the conclusion that the most plausible model is a model of logistic growth with delayed feedback. Third, the model is transformed into a dynamic systems model based on the logistic growth equation. This model describes cognitive growth as a system of supportive and competitive interactions between growers. Models of normal logistic growth, U-shaped growth, bootstrap growth, and competitive growth are also presented. An overview is presented of forms of adaptation of resources (e.g., parental and tutorial assistance and support) to the growth characteristics of a cognitive or linguistic competence. Finally, the question of how the model can account for stages of growth is discussed.
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“Some subsystems support each other while others compete for limited resources, and the development of one leads to the retreat of the other (Van Geert, 1991).”
From Dynamic development of syntactic complexity in second language writing: A longitudinal case study of a young Chinese EFL learner (2022) · cites this paper as Van Geert, 1991
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Čadež, E. (2014) · Journal of Integrative Neuroscience · doi:10.1142/s0219635214500083 · Cited by 1
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Metadata
- Authors
- van Geert, P.
- Affiliations
- University of Groningen (NL)
- Corresponding author
- van Geert, Paul
- ORCID
- van Geert, Paul
- Venue
- Psychological Review
- Published
- 1991
- Volume
- 98
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 3-53
- ISSN
- 0033-295X (ISSN-L)
- 1939-1471
- OpenAlex
- W2018559712
- Cited by
- 464
- References
- 80
- Citations by year
- 2026: 7 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 20 · 2015: 19 · 2014: 25 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 14
- FWCI
- 29.13
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Psychological Review (publishedVersion)
- University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Language Development and Disorders
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Child and Animal Learning Development
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Educational and Psychological Assessments
- Keywords
- cognitive development, language growth, dynamic system model, logistic growth, delayed feedback, resource constraints, carrying capacity, competitive growth, growth stages, parental support, tutorial support, language skills
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