Deck 6: Complexity Science and Complex Adaptive Systems

Question 1

Which statement is false?

A) Multiple scholars from the physical and biological sciences predict that complexity science will become the preeminent approach of the twenty-first century.
B) Complexity science promotes a deeper understanding of living things as dynamic, adaptive beings.
C) Over the course of the last hundred years, science has primarily employed an analytic/reductionist paradigm-and it has done so with little success.
D) Complexity science is not a single theory, but rather an emerging model of interdisciplinary study.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

In a system that conforms to chaos theory:

A) behaviors may appear to exhibit patterns when analyzed in a linear fashion, but when analyzed using nonlinear approaches, they are determined to be completely random.
B) behaviors may appear to be random when analyzed in a nonlinear fashion, but when analyzed using linear approaches, they exhibit dynamic patterned variation.
C) behaviors may appear to exhibit patterns when analyzed in a linear fashion, but when analyzed using nonlinear approaches, even more intricate patterns are discovered.
D) behaviors may appear to be random when analyzed in a linear fashion, but when analyzed using nonlinear approaches, they exhibit dynamic patterned variation.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Which term is not a major concept of nonlinear mathematics?

A) Fractals
B) Insensitivity to initial conditions
C) Scaling
D) Focus on simple rules

Answer 3

B

Question 4

In the context of a complex system, emergence is best defined as:

A) new and unexpected behavior that arises from the unpredictability of the system itself.
B) the appearance of patterns as one examines the behavior of the many individual elements within the system.
C) identification of a structure that is self-similar and repeating.
D) the study of patterns of coordinated behavior in living things.

Question 5

Which choice is the best example of a complementary pair?

A) Random - chaotic
B) Isolated - alone
C) Objective - subjective
D) Reductive - analytic

Question 6

"The activities, behaviors, and patterns within a CAS arise without the imposition of an overall plan or the presence of a central control mechanism." This statement reflects the fact that CASs are:

A) self-organizing.
B) characterized by embeddedness.
C) sensitive to initial conditions.
D) governed by complex rules.

Question 7

Why is diversity critical for a complex adaptive system?

A) Diversity means that no one aspect of the system will be too greatly affected by a particular initial event or condition.
B) Diversity prevents the system from developing deterministic patterns.
C) Diversity prevents the elements of the system from engaging in self-organization.
D) Diversity provides for novelty and is a source of the capability for adaptation.

Question 8

According to Plsek, organizations that function as CASs need only three types of simple rules. Which statement is not one of those rules?

A) Rules that point to a general direction or set of goals
B) Rules that concentrate decision-making authority in the hands of the organization's leaders
C) Rules that set boundaries and/or prohibit certain behaviors
D) Rules that grant permission and provide incentives for certain behaviors

Question 9

"In health care, the personhood of the participants is an important part of all relationships, as are affect and emotions. In addition, genuine relationships between patients and clinicians, between multiple clinicians, between clinicians and the community, and within clinicians themselves are essential to humanistic care." This statement most closely reflects the approach known as:

A) relationship complexity care.
B) responsive relationship care.
C) complex-responsive care.
D) relationship-centered care.

Question 10

With __________, researchers change organizational patterns by actively engaging stakeholders in the change process.

A) appreciative inquiry
B) action research
C) reductionist inquiry
D) positive deviance