Hierarchical Complexity: Commons

A content-free, mathematical model: an action is at a higher order if it coordinates two or more actions of the next-lower order in a non-arbitrary way. Scores the complexity of the reasoning shown in the text, not the person.

The stages, earliest to latest

1. Nominal 5Single words used as names for things.
2. Sentential 6Simple sentences stringing words; imitation of phrases.
3. Preoperational 7Strings sentences into simple stories; simple deductions; no stable logic of classes.
4. Primary 8Simple logic, arithmetic, one-step rules; concrete time and place.
5. Concrete 9Coordinates rules into procedures; takes others' concrete perspectives; categorizes.
6. Abstract 10Forms general variables and concepts from concrete instances; often absolutist categories.
7. Formal 11Linear, logical, empirical reasoning relating two or more variables; if-then; evidence.
8. Systematic 12Builds multivariate systems; multiple interacting causes; relationships among relationships.
9. Metasystematic 13Compares, contrasts and coordinates whole systems; finds meta-systems.
10. Paradigmatic 14Coordinates meta-systems into new paradigms; creates new fields.
11. Cross-paradigmatic 15Coordinates paradigms with each other, forming new fields across paradigms.
12. Meta-cross-paradigmatic 16Reflects on and coordinates cross-paradigmatic operations themselves.

Sources

• Commons, M. L., Trudeau, E. J., Stein, S. A., Richards, F. A., & Krause, S. R. (1998). Hierarchical complexity of tasks shows the existence of developmental stages. Developmental Review, 18, 237–278.
• Commons, M. L. (2008). Introduction to the Model of Hierarchical Complexity and its relationship to postformal action. World Futures, 64, 305–320.

Stage descriptions are paraphrased summaries for orientation, written for Worldview Lens; they are not the official scoring manuals. Example sentences were written to illustrate each stage.