Educational Research, Chaotic Systems, and the Lyapunov Exponent: Using Post Hoc Chaos Theory Methods to Better Understand Learning Systems

• In Event: 33.049 - Using Complexity Theories to Move Toward Justice in Educational Research and Praxis

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to help educational researchers utilize chaos and complexity theories in the analysis of quantitative data. This paper seeks methods for this emergent analysis, particularly focusing on the calculation of Lyapunov exponents within data sets. However, this paper also reinforces the boundary conditions inherent in chaotic systems while subsequently placing limits on the use of quantitative methods that are linear positivist in nature.

Authors

• Donald L. Gilstrap, The University of Alabama

• Bernard P. Ricca, Saint John Fisher College