This book, edited and authored by a closely collaborating network of social scientists and psychologists, recasts typical research topics in these fields into the language of nonlinear, dynamic and complex systems. The aim is to provide scientists with different backgrounds - physics, applied mathematics and computer sciences - with the opportunity to apply the tools of their trade to an altogether new range of possible applications. At the same time, this book will serve as a first reference for a new generation of social scientists and psychologists wishing to familiarize themselves with the new methodology and the "thinking in complexity".

Autorentext

Two more volume editors to join. The main editor, A Nowak, is internationally known and member of many committees in complexity societies and panels. A couple of more books with him as author or editor are in planning.

Inhalt

Preface.- Dynamical Social Psychology: An Introduction.- Understanding Cognition Through Functional Connectivity.- A Dynamical Systems Approach to Conceptualizing and Investigating the Self.- Novelty Recognition Models.- The Dynamics of Patterns of Commitment in Sports.- Conflict and the Complexity of Cognitive Processes.- Social Entrepreneurs Open Closed Worlds: The Transformative Influence of Weak Ties.- A Dynamic Approach to Multicultural Integration.- Social Change Initiated by Social Entrepreneurs.- Interpersonal Fluency: Toward a Model of Coordination and Affect in Social Relations.- The Dynamics of Trust From the Perspective of a Trust Game.- Group as a Unit of Analysis.- Conflict as an Attractor: A Dynamical Systems Perspective on the Dynamics of Conflict.