The dynamics of general developmental mechanisms: From Piaget and Vygotskyto dynamic systems models

Dynamic systems theory conceives of development as a self-organizational pr ocess. Both complexity and order emerge as a product of elementary principl es of interaction between components involved in the developmental process. This article presents a dynamic systems model based on a general dual deve lopmental mechanism, adapted from Piaget and Vygotsky. The mechanism consis ts of a conservative force, further strengthening the already-consolidated level, and a progressive force consolidating internal contents and procedur es at more advanced levels. It is argued that this dual mechanism constitut es one of the few basic laws of learning and change and is comparable to th e laws of effect and of contiguity. Simulation studies suggest that this du al mechanism explains self-organization in developmental paths, including t he emergence of discrete jumps from one equilibrium level to another. S-sha ped growth, and the occurrence of co-existing levels.