Systems Theory Flashcards
What is Systems Theory?
Ludwig von Bertalanffy (General ST)
“The whole is more that the sum of its parts”
a system is a complex of interacting elements and that they are open to, and interact with their environments
avoid simple linear explanations of problem
holistic view
systems are open/closed
entropy- system moves toward disorganization, depletion, and death
influenced by the environment
input/output
feedback loops (neg/pos)
interdependence in relationships (communication, subsystems)
equilibrium
interface - interaction within the system
differentiation- system becomes more complex as time passes
equifinality - many different means to achieve the same end
assessment - problems do not belong to the individual, but instead to the interaction of the behaviors or conditions that create disequilibrium
