Complex Adaptive Systems in the Behavioral and Social Sciences

1997 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy J. Eidelson
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
International Relations ◽  
Organizational Development ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Coalition Formation ◽  
Criminal Behavior ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Underlying Structure ◽  
Political Transitions ◽  
Complex Adaptive

This article examines applications of complexity theory within the behavioral and social sciences. Specific attention is given to the fundamental characteristics of complex adaptive systems (CAS)—such as individuals, groups, and societies—including the underlying structure of CAS, the internal dynamics of evolving CAS, and how CAS respond to their environment. Examples drawn from psychology, sociology, economics, and political science include attitude formation, majority–minority relations, social networks, family systems, psychotherapy, norm formation, organizational development, coalition formation, economic instabilities, urban development, the electoral process, political transitions, international relations, social movements, drug policy, and criminal behavior. The discussion also addresses the obstacles to implementing the CAS perspective in the behavioral and social sciences and implications for research methodology.

Developing a Systems Mindset in Community-Based Prevention

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Bensberg
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Underlying Structure ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Approach Method ◽  
Systems Thinking Approach

Background. A systems mindset is the ability to see problems in their wider context and in terms of their underlying structure. This research describes how a systems mindset was understood and applied by prevention practitioners in a large-scale community-based initiative that employed a systems thinking approach. Method. This qualitative research included 31 primary semistructured interviews. Deductive thematic analysis was based on Braun and Clarke’s analysis framework and was guided by Senge and Scharmer’s knowledge-creating system. Results. The practitioners had been introduced to systems theory and were aware of complex problems and the need for equally sophisticated solutions. Their knowledge was not in-depth, although this may be adequate, as a theoretical overview seemed to be sufficient to support practice. A range of tools was available to practitioners to guide their systems mindset; however, none were preferred. Practitioners’ awareness of the tools varied, as did their feelings toward them as some found them helpful and others did not. A narrower focus on tools could have benefited those who had not yet grasped systems theory. The use of projects within a systems approach confused some practitioners, yet others saw them as platforms to leverage change from. Implications for practice. With a systems mindset practitioners are able to develop systemic solutions to difficult problems. To do this, they require an overview of complex adaptive systems theory, an applied understanding of systems tools, and an experiential learning opportunity to shift their knowledge into practical know-how.

scholarly journals Estudos organizacionais e complexidade: Stacey e Morin

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 350
Author(s):  
Sérgio Luis Boeira ◽  
Ana Elise Cardoso Inácio ◽  
Jorge Altair Pinto Stürmer
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Organizational Studies ◽  
Anglo Saxon ◽  
The Social ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Latin Culture ◽  
The One

This theoretical essay aims to identify some approaches to the complexity of comparing contributions of internationally renowned authors as a reference in organizational studies, such as Stacey and Morin. In the literature that deals with the theme of complexity, many similar concepts are observed; several contributions of authors, some trained in natural sciences, others in the human sciences and philosophy. It is a theme that is recognized both inter and transdisciplinary, and it has been gaining pulse since the 1980's. The conclusion is that Stacey and Morin have significantly contributed to the understanding of the organizational process and the differences between their approaches can be understood by comparing their life experiences and academic training. Furthermore, it is evident that overtime Stacey supports the critical and broad approach advocated by Morin complexity. On the one hand, while Stacey remains in the social sciences, Morin articulates social sciences as well as biophysics and philosophy. Regarding existing disputes in the field of complexity studies, this comparison indicates an improvement from the perspective of complexity intelligence (Latin culture) over the angle of complex adaptive systems (Anglo - Saxon culture).

scholarly journals Reports of the AAAI 2009 Fall Symposia

AI Magazine ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Roger Azevedo ◽  
Trevor Bench-Capon ◽  
Gautam Biswas ◽  
Ted Carmichael ◽  
Nancy Green ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Threshold Effect ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Cognitive Architectures ◽  
Biologically Inspired ◽  
Symposium Series ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Computational Argumentation

The Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence was pleased to present the 2009 Fall Symposium Series, held Thursday through Saturday, November 5–7, at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, Virginia. The Symposium Series was preceded on Wednesday, November 4 by a one-day AI funding seminar. The titles of the seven symposia were as follows: (1) Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures, (2) Cognitive and Metacognitive Educational Systems, (3) Complex Adaptive Systems and the Threshold Effect: Views from the Natural and Social Sciences, (4) Manifold Learning and Its Applications, (5) Multirepresentational Architectures for Human-Level Intelligence, (6) The Uses of Computational Argumentation, and (7) Virtual Healthcare Interaction.

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