Dr. Butner’s scientific work has focused on the development of methods for the behavioral sciences that are capable of analyzing complex change processes over time.  One area of focus, Topological Psychology, has led to advances in statistics that are able to capture complex patterns of self-regulation over time.  In another area, Soft Assembly Regulation, Dr. Butner is investigating how fractals, dimensionality, and lacunarity (all ways of characterizing complex structure or texture of change) may each provide information about successful vs. unsuccessful goal seeking.  In a third broad area of study, Coordination, Dr. Butner has developed novel approaches to examining the potentially complex mutual regulation that occurs among different factors within biopsychosocial networks.  For example, in what ways does stress trigger fatigue, motivating one to slow down and rest?  In what circumstances may fatigue drive up levels of stress, such as in cases involving symptoms of insomnia?  And what sorts of critical life transitions (e.g., menopause) may trigger shifts in these patterns of mutual regulation?