An area of research that attempts to analyse schedule effects in terms of a few basic processes. behavioural dynamics requires a high level of mathematical sophistication. Both linear and nonlinear calculus are used to model the behavioural impact of schedules of reinforcement. If performance on schedules can be reduced to a small number of fundamental principles, then reasonable interpretations may be made about any particular arrangement of the environment. Also, it should be possible to predict more precisely behaviour based on knowledge of the operating contingencies and the axioms that govern reinforcement schedules.