4-Node Standard Example
Representation: Nodes
Instructions

Now that we've analyzed the 4_Node Standard system, let's run it and watch the nodes twinkle. Full instructions are below. FIRST, click the DELAY button, then click the PLAY button.

The nodes will change states (twinkle) in a pattern that reflects the shifts inherent to the basin the system is in.
Which basin is (Alpha, Beta, Gamma) the system in?

Fundamental epistemological question posed by a dynamic ecology to all sentient beings include noticing which basin system is in and noticing when the dynamics shift from one basin to another. Which repetitive pattern of movement is the prey in at this moment? A predator needs to be able to extract basin patterns from the enviroment and adjust its behavior to the differences in those patterns.

By this time you have analytic knowledge of the 4-Node Standard system's basin structure. Now we are exploring how different ways of representing the flow of abstract relations impact your ability to extract the patterns. This applet allows you to see the basin patterns of the 4-Node Standard system by observing the changing states of the nodes.

Layout: The four green nodes you see on the applet are arranged in two rows of two nodes each. The nodes on the top row, from the left, correspond to nodes A and B in our analysis of the system. The bottom row, from the left, shows nodes C and D.

One Iteration Forward (Double Black Arrow). It may be easier to examine the pattern if you can move the system forward one iteration at a time. The Double Black Arrow allows you to do this. If you wish you can move the system through its cycle in this way and decide which basin (Alpha, Beta, Gamma) it is in. If the system is running, press STOP. Then press the double black arrow. You the nodes shift their pattern to the next iteration.

Pop up image of Basin Structure

Perturbing the System. The Perturb button allows you to pseudo-randomly change the state of some percentage of the system's nodes. If you do that does it change to another basin? Which?

We have found other ways of representing the dynamics to be more useful (Smilie3, Motion Smilie). They will be examined in other applets. [Go to Smilie 3.}

The purpose of this applet is to allow you to become fluid in thinking about how a dynamic system works and to begin to think about the impact of the way dynamics are represented has on pattern extraction.