Editing Developmental psychology (section)

==Mathematical models==
Developmental psychology is concerned not only with describing the characteristics of psychological change over time but also seeks to explain the principles and internal workings underlying these changes. Psychologists have attempted to better understand these factors by using [[model (abstract)|models]]. A model must simply account for the means by which a process takes place. This is sometimes done in reference to changes in the [[human brain|brain]] that may correspond to changes in behavior over the course of the development.

Mathematical modeling is useful in developmental psychology for implementing theory in a precise and easy-to-study manner, allowing generation, explanation, integration, and prediction of diverse phenomena. Several modeling techniques are applied to development: [[symbol]]ic, [[connectionist]] ([[neural net]]work), or [[Cognitive model#Dynamical systems|dynamical systems]] models.

Dynamic systems models illustrate how many different features of a complex system may interact to yield emergent behaviors and abilities. Nonlinear dynamics has been applied to human systems specifically to address issues that require attention to temporality such as life transitions, human development, and behavioral or emotional change over time. Nonlinear dynamic systems is currently being explored as a way to explain discrete phenomena of human development such as affect,<ref>{{Cite book|title=Computational social psychology| vauthors = Vallacher RR |publisher=Routledge|year=2017|isbn=978-1138951655}}</ref> second language acquisition,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = de Bot K |title=A dynamic systems theory approach to second language acquisition|journal=Bilingualism: Language and Cognition |volume=10 |pages=7–21 |doi=10.1017/S1366728906002732|year=2007 }}</ref> and locomotion.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rhea CK, Kiefer AW, D'Andrea SE, Warren WH, Aaron RK | title = Entrainment to a real time fractal visual stimulus modulates fractal gait dynamics | journal = Human Movement Science | volume = 36 | pages = 20–34 | date = August 2014 | pmid = 24911782 | doi = 10.1016/j.humov.2014.04.006 | url = http://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/C_Rhea_Entrainment_2014.pdf }}</ref>