Dynamics of social coordination
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Robin R. Vallacher
Abstract
Close relationships are described in terms of the temporal coordination of behavior based on the similarity of partners’ internal states (e.g., moods, personality traits). Coupled nonlinear dynamical systems (logistic equations) were used to model the emergence, maintenance, and disruption of coordination in such relationships. For each system (partner), there was a control parameter corresponding to an internal state and a dynamical variable corresponding to behavior. Computer simulations investigated how the temporal coordination of behavior in a relationship reflects the similarity of partners’ control parameters and the strength of coupling (mutual influence between partners). Several types of coordination were observed, with in-phase synchronization occurring for strong coupling and similarity in internal states. In a variation of the model, each system could adjust its own control parameter to synchronize its dynamics with that of the other system. Simulation results provide insight into several topics in the study of close relations and group dynamics.
Abstract
Close relationships are described in terms of the temporal coordination of behavior based on the similarity of partners’ internal states (e.g., moods, personality traits). Coupled nonlinear dynamical systems (logistic equations) were used to model the emergence, maintenance, and disruption of coordination in such relationships. For each system (partner), there was a control parameter corresponding to an internal state and a dynamical variable corresponding to behavior. Computer simulations investigated how the temporal coordination of behavior in a relationship reflects the similarity of partners’ control parameters and the strength of coupling (mutual influence between partners). Several types of coordination were observed, with in-phase synchronization occurring for strong coupling and similarity in internal states. In a variation of the model, each system could adjust its own control parameter to synchronize its dynamics with that of the other system. Simulation results provide insight into several topics in the study of close relations and group dynamics.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword vii
-
Articles
- Of minds and mirrors 1
- How minds and selves are made 17
- Dynamics of social coordination 31
- Construing and constructing others 47
- The self and identity negotiation 61
- Social reality makes the social mind 75
- How to do things with logical expressions 91
- Attributions and peer harassment 105
- The shaping of individuals’ mental structures and dispositions by others 117
- Ostracism 131
- Self processes in interdependent relationships 147
- Constructing perspectives in the social making of minds 163
- The shaping of animals’ minds 179
- Chimpanzees are sensitive to some of the psychological states of others 197
- The understanding of own and others’ actions during infancy 211
- Experiencing contingency and agency 227
- The social construction of the cultural mind 241
- File Change Semantics for Preschoolers 259
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword vii
-
Articles
- Of minds and mirrors 1
- How minds and selves are made 17
- Dynamics of social coordination 31
- Construing and constructing others 47
- The self and identity negotiation 61
- Social reality makes the social mind 75
- How to do things with logical expressions 91
- Attributions and peer harassment 105
- The shaping of individuals’ mental structures and dispositions by others 117
- Ostracism 131
- Self processes in interdependent relationships 147
- Constructing perspectives in the social making of minds 163
- The shaping of animals’ minds 179
- Chimpanzees are sensitive to some of the psychological states of others 197
- The understanding of own and others’ actions during infancy 211
- Experiencing contingency and agency 227
- The social construction of the cultural mind 241
- File Change Semantics for Preschoolers 259
