The use of general systems theory in the field of instructional systems design (ISD) is explored in this paper. Drawing on work by Young, the writings of 12 representative ISD writers and researchers were surveyed to determine the use of 60 general systems theory concepts by the individual authors. The average number of concepts used by these…

Future research initiatives on learning and instruction are considered to be of most worth if grounded in general systems theory and if multiple research methods are used. Discussed are an information processing theory and a theory for the structure and structuring of stored information. (MNS)

Defines and explicates the systems approach--the conceptual heart of educational technology--in the broader context of general systems theory, and presents four propositions based on principles from four schools of philosophical thought that may provide alternative means for analyzing the mediation of experience and practice of educational…

Futures research involves speculation about alternative developments based upon existing data and potential choices. Effective futures research requires creativity in scientific practice rather than an overemphasis on reason. In discussing the important role of intuition in futures research, characteristics of creative scientists are reviewed and…

Because of the increased recognition of the multi-dimensionality of problems facing older adults and the need for greater focus on individual problems, increased efforts are being made to assess the needs of individuals. One promising area in this effort is functional assessment, which moves away from the use of chronological age, which classifies…

Beginning with a capsule history of United States education reform efforts and an examination of the American "myth" of the apolitical nature of education, this paper explores the political bases of education policy. Reviewing the literature on educational politics with a particular concern for recent curriculum reform efforts at the state level,…

"The Wiley Handbook of Vocational Education and Training" offers an in-depth guide to the theories, practices, and policies of vocational education and training (VET). With contributions from a panel of leading international scholars, the Handbook contains 27 authoritative essays from a wide range of disciplines. The contributors present…

Changes to research methodology motivated by the adoption of a complexity theory perspective on language development are considered. The dynamic, nonlinear, and open nature of complex systems, together with their tendency toward self-organization and interaction across levels and timescales, requires changes in traditional views of the functions…

This paper discusses variation in reasoning strategies among expert mathematicians, with a particular focus on the degree to which they use examples to reason about general conjectures. We first discuss literature on the use of examples in understanding and reasoning about abstract mathematics, relating this to a conceptualisation of syntactic and…

The developmental course in the distance-speed-time domain is still a matter of debate. Traditional stage models are contested by theories of continuous development and adaptive thinking. In the present work, we introduce a formal framework for modelling the developmental course in this domain, grounding on Competence-based Knowledge Space Theory.…

Examines ways to apply control theory to the clinical practice of psychology. Offers general methods to assess psychological problems and to facilitate healthful change. Profiles what constitutes mental health from a control systems perspective, emphasizing the control of variables to achieve desired ends. (CH)

This paper examines the selection, interaction, and systems approaches to fit in structural contingency theory. The concepts of fit evaluated may be applied not only to structural contingency theory but to contingency theories in general. (MD)

Reports on a study of information transfer patterns in a department of a major corporation. Data were gathered through observations, interviews, and content analysis of recorded management information. General trends, formal and informal transfer patterns, role of managers, management style, and general problems are discussed. Four tables are…

A total of 400 subjects differing in age, sex, and SES were tested on strategic, relational, experimental, and postformal abilities. Results showed that Demetriou and Efklides' model of the development of formal thought could be integrated with theories claiming that thought is structured in different inquiring systems and develops postformally as…

This paper presents preliminary results of research founded on the hypothesis that in real environments there exist regularities that can be idealized as mathematical structures that are simple enough to be analyzed. The author considered three steps in analyzing the encoding of modularity of the environment. First, a general information…