Complex Adaptive Systems in Psychological Research (CASPR) Lab

David Pincus, Ph.D.
Laboratory Director

The CASPR lab is dedicated to the empirical investigations of psychological and social processes using Nonlinear Dynamical Systems (NDS) theory (a.k.a. “Chaos Theory”). NDS allows us to model psychological processes in a holistic and complex manner as these processes unfold over time and space. Our theoretical lineage traces back to William James, Carl Stumpf, and the early Gestaltists; while our underlying philosophy of science and mathematics resonates with Eastern traditions such as Taoism and Buddhism. We consider our work proudly to be at the forward fringe of mainstream psychological research.

Graduate and undergraduate students are welcome to obtain research experience at all levels through a variety of ongoing experimental and applied projects. One set of investigations is targeting the complex patterns that emerge during small group interactions. A related line of clinical research is examining ways in which these patterns change over the course of family therapy in cooperation with the psychology department’s community clinic. A third area of study is aimed at identifying and analyzing the complex information structures within the self.