Moving toward a grand theory of development: in memory of Esther Thelen.
This paper is in memory of Esther Thelen, who passed away while President of the Society for Research in Child Development. A survey of Esther Thelen's career reveals a trajectory from early work on simple movements like stepping, to the study of goal-directed reaching, to work on the embodiment of cognition, and, ultimately, to a grand theory of development--dynamic systems theory. Four central concepts emerged during her career: (1) a new emphasis on time; (2) the proposal that behavior is softly assembled from the interaction of multiple subsystems; (3) the embodiment of perception, action, and cognition; and (4) a new respect for individuality. Esther Thelen communicated these ideas to scientists and practitioners alike, so the ultimate benefactors of her work were children.
Spencer
John P
JP
Department of Psychology, 11 Seashore Hall E, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. john-spencer@uiowa.edu
Clearfield
Melissa
M
Corbetta
Daniela
D
Ulrich
Beverly
B
Buchanan
Patricia
P
Schöner
Gregor
G
D002657:Child Development; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018730:Infant Behavior; D007858:Learning; D009068:Movement; D011582:Psychological Theory; D014481:United States