Synthetic phenomena and dynamic methodologies

Abstract

In this chapter, dynamic methodologies are viewed as empirically and theoretically informed tools which help the researcher to study developmental processes. Dynamic methodologies will be discussed from an ecological perspective, that is, by taking seriously the individual-environment reciprocity as the unit of analysis. This perspective brings into focus the issue of atomism/elementarism which assumes rigid distinctions between sensations, thoughts, and acts. Dewey (1896) already addressed the problem when he said that according to such assumptions, sensory stimulus, the central activity (standing for the idea), and the motor discharge (standing for the act proper) are three different kind of things. © 2009 Springer-Verlag New York.