Dynamic Systems Theory

  • Developed in context of motor development

  • Grew out of mathematical models of how systems interact

  • Development emerges from interaction of multiple developing systems

  • Systems or components themselves change

  • Development is a process of constant change

  • Self-organization

According to dynamic systems, new skills and abilities emerge when several developing components organize to produce that skill or ability.

Esther Thelen

  • Dynamic systems in motor development
    • Influenced by multiple systems (muscles, coordination, motivation, etc.)

A not B error:

  • Objects search for hidden object in A location if trained to, but won’t adjust to searching in the B location, defaulting to the A location
    • Some permanence, but not complete