On the nature of entropy and complexity in psychology

Damien, Andreea (2023) On the nature of entropy and complexity in psychology. PhD thesis, London School of Economics and Political Science.

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Abstract

The link between entropy and complexity is the cornerstone of all complex systems. Despite their significance and previous research indicating that the principles of entropy and complexity can be applied to psychological systems, a theoretically and methodologically comprehensive examination of their link has remained largely unexplored in psychology. To address this, the present research investigated the link between entropy and complexity in psychological systems. Drawing on the theoretical and methodological approaches of complexity science, this research examined the link across three distinct yet interrelated lines of investigation that consisted of nine online studies (N = 665) and used a combination of linear and nonlinear analysis techniques. In Part I, the link was examined in relation to patterns, with the evaluation of the stimulus being the focus of the investigation. In Parts II and III, the link was examined in relation to processes, with the response to the stimulus being the focus of the investigation. More specifically, Part II focused on processes at the macro-level, after which Part III extended the focus to both the macro- and micro-levels. On the whole, the present research established and empirically validated an integrative perspective on how entropy and complexity – two fundamental concepts that are essential for understanding complex systems in nature – impact the dynamics of psychological systems.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Additional Information:	© 2023 Andreea Damien
Uncontrolled Keywords:	entropy, negentropy, complexity, complexity science, sample entropy, recurrence quantification analysis
Library of Congress subject classification:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Sets:	Departments > Psychological and Behavioural Science
Supervisor:	Krpan, Dario
URI:	http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/4514

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