Nonlinear Methods for Psychological Science

University of Cincinnati
June 15-19, 2015 
Monday-Friday

This Advanced Training Institute addresses methods of analysis from nonlinear dynamics and complexity theory and provides every participant with first-hand experience in analyzing data for nonlinear structure. Each participant will generate unique datasets that they learn to analyze, as well as have the opportunity to analyze data sets that they bring with them. (See a tentative course schedule.)  Participants will leave the training with turn-key software for nonlinear analyses.

The institute is directed by Michael Richardson, in collaboration with Rick Dale from the University of California, Merced, Nikita Kuznetsov from Northeastern University and fellow University of Cincinnati psychologists Kevin Shockley, Michael Riley and Tony Chemero. The course is specifically tailored to psychologists and graduate students; the only prerequisites are the standard statistics courses taught in almost all psychology graduate programs.

Some of the methods covered are not yet represented in textbooks. These cutting-edge methods are largely known and disseminated through journal publications, often in disciplines other than psychology. The course makes use of two web books, the first "Tutorials in Contemporary Nonlinear Methods for the Behavioral Sciences Web Book," was edited by Riley and Van Orden, and resulted from a National Science Foundation workshop on nonlinear methods in psychology. The second, “Fractal Analysis: Statistical and Methodological Innovations and Best Practice” was edited by Holden, Riley, Gao and Torre. It is a compilation of articles solicited for a research topic issue appearing in the open access journal Frontiers in Fractal Physiology.

The ATI focuses on techniques that have already been used in prominently published psychological research, such as quantitative recurrence analysis and cross-recurrence analysis (forms of nonlinear "correlation" analysis), fractal and multifractal methods and power law analysis of data distributions. Conceptual and theoretical issues surrounding the use of nonlinear techniques will also be covered.

Up to 25 participants will be selected to take part in this ATI. Applications are invited from investigators at the faculty/professional, postdoctoral and advanced graduate student levels. The ATI is open to investigators from both within and outside of the United States.

Submit the online application form and upload your CV. If you have any questions about submitting the application or encounter any problems, please contact Nicolle Singer by email or by telephone at (202) 336-6000.

The application deadline is April 9, 2015. After that date has passed, applications will continue to be accepted until seats are filled. Any applications received after seats have been filled will be placed on a waiting list. To read about opportunities such as the Advanced Training Institutes as soon as they are announced please subscribe to the Science Directorate e-newsletter.

Faculty: APA member — $750; Nonmember — $1,200
Postdoc/Graduate student: APA member — $375; Nonmember — $550

Budget accommodations will be available for participants on-campus near the training site. From 2012 to 2014 dormitory lodging was available for less than $40 per night inclusive of tax and we expect this to be the case again in 2015.

The APA Science Directorate will be able to provide a limited amount of financial assistance to support travel and lodging of some ATI participants. If you wish to apply for financial assistance, please contact ATI for a copy of the ATI Financial Assistance Request Form and instructions. The completed form must be received by the APA Science Directorate by April 14, 2015. Financial assistance decisions are made independently from decisions about selection for the ATI, so it is appropriate to apply for financial assistance before hearing about selection for the ATI or after being placed on a waiting list. Preference will be given to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, but participants at other career levels will also be considered if sufficient funds are available. The amount of financial assistance that is provided will defray only a portion of overall travel and lodging costs. Applicants will be notified about financial assistance prior to the ATI registration deadline.

Applicants are also encouraged to consult with their research mentors or department heads about the availability of institutional funds to support this advanced training opportunity.

If you cancel up to 30 days prior to the start date, and we are able to fill your place, a full refund will be provided. If you cancel less than 30 days prior, and we are able to fill your place, we will give a refund of 75 percent. If you cancel at any time and we are unable to fill your place, then no refund can be provided.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call (202) 336-6000, or send an email to Advanced Training Institute.