The Application of Chaos Theory to Psychology

Abstract

Chaos theory has successfully explained various phenomena in the natural sciences and has subsequently been heralded by some as the new paradigm for science. Chaos and its concepts are beginning to be applied to psychology by researchers from cognitive, developmental and clinical psychology. This paper seeks to provide an overview of this work and evaluate the application of chaos to psychology. Chaos is briefly explained before existing applications of chaos in psychology and possible implications are examined. Finally, problems of applying chaos are evaluated and conclusions drawn regarding the usefulness of chaos in psychology.