Chaos theory

Acronym
N/A

Alternate name(s)
Dynamical instability, Entropy theory

Main dependent construct(s)/factor(s)
In mathematics: position, velocity

Main independent construct(s)/factor(s)
In mathematics: attractor

Concise description of theory
Chaos theory relates to some non-linear, dynamical systems that exhibit apparently erratic or random behavior even though the system has limits and contains no random variables. Chaotic systems are generally noted for their sensitivity to initial conditions that result in vastly different outcomes. Chaos is somewhat counter to the notion of complete determinism, that every event or action is an inevitable result of preceding events or actions—and can be predicted, in advance, with absolute certainty. With the fundamental principle that no real measurement can be infinitely precise, chaotic systems will have unpredictable outcomes because initial conditions cannot be specified with infinite accuracy. Moreover, initial condition imprecision in dynamic systems will grow at an exponential rate. This sensitivity to initial conditions is generally called chaos in mathematics and physics.

Chaotic systems are deterministic within limits and not forever expanding or contracting; they tend to “orbit” around one or more points, called attractors. A related area of chaotic systems involves fractals.

A practical implication of chaos theory is that two nearly-identical sets of initial conditions for the same system may result in significantly different outcomes, albeit within limits.

Diagram/schematic of theory
N/A

Originating author(s)
Henri Poincaré, Edward Lorenz, James A. Yorke, Benoit Mandelbrot, James Gleick

Seminal articles
Mandelbrot, B. The Fractal Geometry of Nature, W. H. Freeman, New York, NY, 1983.

Gleick, J. Chaos: Making a New Science, Viking Press, New York, NY, 1987.

Robertson, R. and Combs, A. Chaos Theory in Psychology and the Life Sciences, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Hillsdale, NJ, 1995.

Thompson, J.M.T. Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos, Wiley, New York, NY, 2002.

Originating area
Mathematics, physics

Level of analysis
All levels

IS articles that use the theory
Dhillon, G and Ward, J. (2002) "Chaos Theory as a framework for information systems research". Information Resources Management Journal. Vol 15, No 2.

Geyer, F. “The Challenge of Sociocybernetics,” The International Journal of Systems & Cybernetics (24:4), April 1, 1995, pp. 6-33.

Meyer, C. “Chaos and the IS Executive,” Computerworld (30:21), May 20, 1996, pp. S1-6.

McBride, N. “Chaos Theory as a Model for Interpreting Information Systems in Organizations,” Information Systems Journal (15:3), July 2005, pp. 233-255.

Links from this theory to other theories
Complexity theory, fractals, bifurcation theory

Original Contributor(s)
Scott Schneberger Please feel free to make modifications to this site. In order to do so, you must register. Return to Theories Used in IS Research