Dynamic Systems theory
Assignment # 1: Dynamic Systems Theory
In the late 20th century, developmental Psychologist Esther Thelen emerged with a new theory of human motor development which was fundamentally different from the Neuromaturational theory which was universally accepted at that time as a logical and intuitive model to accurately explain motor development in infants (Schrock, 2003). Thelen was not satisfied with this Neuromaturational approach as it left many essential questions unanswered and as a result, the Dynamic Systems theory was born. Thelen states, “Dynamic systems theories depart from conventional approaches because they seek to understand the overall behavior of a system not by dissecting it into parts, but by asking how and under what circumstances the parts cooperate to produce a whole pattern” (Schrock, 2003). Thus, the Dynamic Systems theory can be explained as a complex philosophy which attempts to explain the emergence of motor development and learning of a task as the result of interactions between numerous subsystems of the body that work in a coordinative effort to achieve a task and which are constantly undergoing change, hence the term ‘dynamic’. According to the Dynamic Systems theory, development is a non-linear process in which movement is not developed in a continuous manner, but is the result of critical changes in one sub-system which can cause the whole system to shift and result in the occurrence of a new motor behavior (Suave et al., 2010). One crucial ideology of the dynamic systems theory is the notion of coordinative structures or synergies. Contrary to the beliefs of the Neuromaturational theory, Nikolai Bernstein, a Neurophysiologist, did not believe that movements were indicative of the level of maturity present in the Central Nervous System (Thelen, 2000). Instead, he postulated that movements were a direct consequence of the organization of muscle fibers into groups that worked synergistically to accomplish a task
In the late 20th century, developmental Psychologist Esther Thelen emerged with a new theory of human motor development which was fundamentally different from the Neuromaturational theory which was universally accepted at that time as a logical and intuitive model to accurately explain motor development in infants (Schrock, 2003). Thelen was not satisfied with this Neuromaturational approach as it left many essential questions unanswered and as a result, the Dynamic Systems theory was born. Thelen states, “Dynamic systems theories depart from conventional approaches because they seek to understand the overall behavior of a system not by dissecting it into parts, but by asking how and under what circumstances the parts cooperate to produce a whole pattern” (Schrock, 2003). Thus, the Dynamic Systems theory can be explained as a complex philosophy which attempts to explain the emergence of motor development and learning of a task as the result of interactions between numerous subsystems of the body that work in a coordinative effort to achieve a task and which are constantly undergoing change, hence the term ‘dynamic’. According to the Dynamic Systems theory, development is a non-linear process in which movement is not developed in a continuous manner, but is the result of critical changes in one sub-system which can cause the whole system to shift and result in the occurrence of a new motor behavior (Suave et al., 2010). One crucial ideology of the dynamic systems theory is the notion of coordinative structures or synergies. Contrary to the beliefs of the Neuromaturational theory, Nikolai Bernstein, a Neurophysiologist, did not believe that movements were indicative of the level of maturity present in the Central Nervous System (Thelen, 2000). Instead, he postulated that movements were a direct consequence of the organization of muscle fibers into groups that worked synergistically to accomplish a task
References: Heriza, C. (1991). Implications of a Dynamical Systems Approach to Understanding Infant Kicking Behavior. Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association, 71(3), 222-224. Retrieved October 10, 2014, from http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/71/3/222 Kubie, J. (2013, July 3). A newborn infant can take steps. Why can’t she walk?. Brain Facts. Retrieved October 10, 2014, from http://blog.brainfacts.org/2013/07/a-newborn-infant-can-step-why-cant-she-walk/#.VDca2PldWSo Marder, E., & Bucher, D. (2001). Central Pattern Generators And The Control Of Rhythmic Movements. Current Biology, 11(23), R986. Schrock, C. (n.d.). Baby Steps and Beyond. Indiana University Research and Creative Activity . Retrieved October 9, 2014, from http://www.indiana.edu/~rcapub/v25n2/thelen.shtml Suave, K., & Bartlett, D. (n.d.). Dynamic Systems Theory: A Framework for Exploring Readiness to Change in Children with Cerebral Palsy. Dynamic Systems Theory: Readiness to Change. Retrieved October 9, 2014, from http://www.canchild.ca/en/canchildresources/dynamic_systems_theory.asp Thelen, E. (2000). Motor Development As Foundation And Future Of Developmental Psychology. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 24(4), 388. Retrieved October 9, 2014, from http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/016502500750037937