Microgenesis--the process of solving problems, it re-occurs
each time a new problem is encountered. Some can reverse the
process (i.e., artists), but most cannot.It was first coined by
Heinz Werner (1956) as a means of providing a genetic
characterization of the structure and temporal dynamics of
immediate experience, and, more generally, of any psychological
process.
Microgenetic development concerns the psychogenetic dynamics of
a process that can take
from a few seconds as in the case of perception and speech up to
several hours or even
weeks as in the case of reading, problem solving or skill
acquisition.
For example, the microgenetic method provides an opportunity to
identify different groups, which may require different treatment or
intervention styles. This can yield answers to questions that
cannot be answered by other approaches. Most excitingly for
developmental psychologists is the fact that microgenetic studies,
‘reveal not just what children know but how they get there’. The
same may apply to adults acquiring new skills.
When we confront a task for e.g., adapting to a new environment
like a city, we go through a process that mirrors orthogenesis,
each thought or perception undergoes development- initially vague
impressions fused with feelings, next- we start differentiating
parts, lastly- all objects are integrated into a coherent whole
(hierarchic integration).
Microgenetic Mobility is the the ability to reverse the process
of microgenesis.
The ability to execute microgenesis for e.g., when trying to
solve a problem, requires the ability to revert back to a primitive
mode of thinking and then move forward to a greater differentiation
and integration.
Variation among people in terms of ability to execute
microgenesis, some people can regress back to more primitive levels
and then return to organization and coherence (an indicator of
creativity), other people stuck in rational modes of thought
(abstract and barren), or stuck in primitive forms of thought (cant
organize perception and thinking- schizophrenics)