Complexity

Complexity science is a collection of theories dealing with phenomena that emerge from the interactions of many interdependent agents. It is a multi-disciplinary meta-theory and includes concepts and theories from a range of disciplines including mathematics, information sciences, biology, physics, psychology, economics, and ecological sciences. 

Some fundamental properties of complex systems include: (a) that the coordination of many interdependent agents or parts produces a whole that is greater than the sum of these parts, (b) that the operation of positive and negative feedback loops between the system and its environments generates patterns of stability and change, and (c) that order or organization emerges or self-organizes in a complex system without external or internal direction or command. Systems concepts have been applied in numerous areas, most notably within the literature on organizational processes. 

Scholars in Psychology have employed systems theories and concepts from the beginning. Most recently, researchers in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, psycholinguistics, social psychology, and other areas have explored the application of concepts and methods from Nonlinear Dynamic Systems (NDS) Theory. NDS theory provides a means to explore systems that are not necessarily equilibrium seeking, or that are in a far-from-equilibrium state, in which unexpected and novel system states emerge. As such, NDS theory is well suited to the study of complex living systems. The Santa Fe Institute provides numerous resources relevant to the study of complex systems in general as well as nonlinear dynamic systems in particular. 

Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) Theory is an area within NDS Theory focusing on the adaptation of individual and collective behaviour in correspondence with changes in the context or environment. The capacity of CAS to show emergence and adaptive capacity in the face of disturbance is of particular interest, leading to the study of resilience and adaptive cycles in linked social-ecological systems. The Stockholm Resilience Centre provides extensive resources regarding the study of resilience in complex adaptive systems.

Many of us in the CCR Lab explore the application of NDS and CAS Theory concepts and methods. For example, we are interested in how CAS Theory may help us understand interdependencies among psycho-social-ecological systems, with the goal of better understanding the emergence of environmentally destructive behaviour.  We are also interested in understanding both psychological and community resilience in light of CAS Theory. The interaction of cultural and psychological processes in place may also be understood in a perspective informed by complexity science concepts and theories. 

The CCR Lab is part of an interdisciplinary network of scholars interested in complexity science at Lakehead University. Dr. Stroink organizes and runs the Complexity Seminar in collaboration with this network every 2-3 years. The Complexity Seminar runs as a set of linked directed studies courses and provides an opportunity for in-depth study and discussion on complexity science with faculty and students from various disciplines. 

If you are interested in complexity science or its applications in Psychology, please contact Dr. Mirella Stroink.  

Selected References:

Eidelson, R.J. (1997). Complex adaptive systems in the behavioral and social sciences. Review of General Psychology, 1(1), 42-71.

Folke, C. (2006). Resilience: The emergence of a perspective for social-ecological systems analyses. Global Environmental Change, 16, 253-267. DOI:10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2006.04.002

Folke, C., Carpenter, S.R., Walker, B., Scheffer, M., Chapin, T. & Rockström, J. (2010). Resilience thinking: Integrating resilience, adaptability and transformability. Ecology and Society, 15(4), 20. http:// www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol15/iss4/art20/

Guastello, S.J., Koopmans, M., & Pincus, D. (Eds) (2011). Chaos and complexity in psychology: The theory of nonlinear dynamical systems. Cambridge University Press.

Gunderson, L. H., and Holling, C.S. (2002). Panarchy: Understanding transformations in human and natural systems. St. Louis, Missouri: Washington University Island Press.

Holland, J. H. (2000). Emergence: from chaos to order. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.

Holland, J. H. (2006). Studying complex adaptive systems. Journal of Systems Science and Complexity, 19, 1-8.

Holland, J.H. (1992). Complex adaptive systems. Daedalus,121(1), 17-30. 

Holling, C.S. (2001). Understanding the complexity of economic, ecological, and social systems. Ecosystems,4(5), 390–405.

Holling, C.S. (1973). Resilience and stability of ecological systems. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematic, 4,1-23. DOI: 10.1146/annurev.es.04.110173.000245

 Kauffman, S. (1993). The origins of order: Self organization and selection in evolution. Oxford University Press.

Piers, C., Muller, J.P., & Brent, J. (2007). Self-organizing complexity in psychological systems. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Stacey, R. (2001). Complex responsive processes in organizations: Learning and knowledge creation. New York, NY: Routledge.

Uhl-Bien, M. & Marion, R. (2008). Complexity Leadership, Part 1: Conceptual Foundations. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing, Inc.

Waldrop, M. M. (1992). Complexity: The emerging science at the edge of order and chaos. Toronto: Touchstone Book. 

Walker, B. & Salt, D. (2006). Resilience thinking: Sustaining ecosystems and people in a changing world. Washington: Island Press.