Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences: An IntroductionChaos and complexity are the new buzz words in both science and contemporary society. The ideas they represent have enormous implications for the way we understand and engage with the world. Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences introduces students to the central ideas which surround the chaos/complexity theories. It discusses key concepts before using them as a way of investigating the nature of social research. By applying them to such familiar topics as urban studies, education and health, David Byrne allows readers new to the subject to appreciate the contribution which complexity theory can make to social research and to illuminating the crucial social issues of our day. |
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Contents
Understanding the complex | 31 |
Complexity and the quantitative programme | 54 |
Analysing social complexity | 72 |
regions cities | 89 |
The complex character of health and illness | 107 |
Complexity education and change | 122 |
the limits to urban | 139 |
Conclusion | 157 |
Glossary | 168 |
| 189 | |
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Common terms and phrases
achievement action actual analysis approach areas argue assertion attractor basis causal causes central changes chaos chaos/complexity chapter character cluster complex concept condition consider considerable constructed contingency course crucial dealing derived describe determine dimensional discussion dynamic educational effects elements emergent essentially example expressed founded given happen historical household human idea important individual interaction interesting involved issue kind knowledge limits linear locality mathematical matter means measure method models nature non-linear original parameters particular physical planning political position possible practice predict present problem programme properties quantitative range reality reasoning relation relationship represented schools scientific seems significance simple social science society sociology sort space spatial specific statistical structure suggested tables theory things tion trajectory understanding urban values variables whole
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Bibliographic information
| Title | Complexity Theory and the Social Sciences: An Introduction |
| Author | David S. Byrne |
| Publisher | Psychology Press, 1998 |
| ISBN | 0415162955, 9780415162951 |
| Length | 206 pages |
| Subjects | › Social Science / Research |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |