TY - JOUR

T1 - Contributions of dynamic systems theory to cognitive development

AU - Spencer, John P.

AU - Austin, Andrew

AU - Schutte, Anne R.

PY - 2012/10

Y1 - 2012/10

N2 - We examine the contributions of dynamic systems theory to the field of cognitive development, focusing on modeling using dynamic neural fields. After introducing central concepts of dynamic field theory (DFT), we probe empirical predictions and findings around two examples—the DFT of infant perseverative reaching that explains Piaget's A-not-B error and the DFT of spatial memory that explain changes in spatial cognition in early development. Review of the literature around these examples reveals that computational modeling is having an impact on empirical research in cognitive development; however, this impact does not extend to neural and clinical research. Moreover, there is a tendency for researchers to interpret models narrowly, anchoring them to specific tasks. We conclude on an optimistic note, encouraging both theoreticians and experimentalists to work toward a more theory-driven future.

AB - We examine the contributions of dynamic systems theory to the field of cognitive development, focusing on modeling using dynamic neural fields. After introducing central concepts of dynamic field theory (DFT), we probe empirical predictions and findings around two examples—the DFT of infant perseverative reaching that explains Piaget's A-not-B error and the DFT of spatial memory that explain changes in spatial cognition in early development. Review of the literature around these examples reveals that computational modeling is having an impact on empirical research in cognitive development; however, this impact does not extend to neural and clinical research. Moreover, there is a tendency for researchers to interpret models narrowly, anchoring them to specific tasks. We conclude on an optimistic note, encouraging both theoreticians and experimentalists to work toward a more theory-driven future.

KW - Dynamic systems theory

KW - Spatial memory

KW - Perseveration

KW - Neural networks

KW - Object concept

U2 - 10.1016/j.cogdev.2012.07.006

DO - 10.1016/j.cogdev.2012.07.006

M3 - Article

VL - 27

SP - 401

EP - 418

JO - Cognitive Development

JF - Cognitive Development

SN - 0885-2014

IS - 4

ER -