Final Observations of Chaos Theory

1. Chaos theory is a rather new additon to the social sciences. If it holds up and makes wider applicaton to the social sciences, the theory would suggest that research paradigms and theory itself is more descriptive than predictive. A chaotic micro-trigger can have larger influences on human behavior than once thought. Deterministic models will generally thought of as more suggestive than hard line prediction. If chaos theory does not hold up, than hard line ratio number prediction will survive. It may be in the future that if chaos continues to prove valid and helpful, triangulation of research strategies will be the best way to pursue the knowledge of human behavior.
2. This would also suggest that correlation is generally a better word to use than causation when it comes to human behavior. If the chaos theory is to be substantiated, a new hybrid word, such as correlative causation may be born.
3. Further, less robust measures that are more nominal in orientation as an example chi-square may be used rather than robust ratio oriented multiple regression may be used. Or, even better, given that there is a large enough sample, the authors may want to present their findings in both multiple regression and in multi-tabular chi-square tables. Thus, chaos theory is assumed with the less robust chi-square. However, the authors of various new studies will give the readers a combination of presentations that include the randomness of chaos theory. Chi-square may be less strong, but is comprehensive enough compared to multiple regression. The less discrete measure is more likely to involve erratic activity of multiple micro-triggers. Path analysis may become suspect.
4. Chaos theory is not directly related to post modernism. The science of the holy spirit , suchness, or wu is still not a hard science, because no one knows when the next micro trigger will emerge or in topological chaos how the entire model gradually changes. It is probably postmodern, but it is not necessarily new age. If chaos continues to prosper, many other questionable and other theories may emerge that really do not have any direct relationship to chaos theory. However, they may claim a relationship.
5. Words like unintended consequences, wild cards, perfect storms, surprises, upsets, conundrums, magic moments, puzzles and related may or may not denote chaos theory. However, the words may suggest that chaos is at work.
6. Although chaos has at least 3 submodels (chaos/topological chaos/ catastrophic chaos) this does not mean that other social change models are not useful and valid.
7. Chaos theory will also have to look at multiple stimuli. It is very likely that micro-triggers will give rise to numerous other triggers, that give rise to millions of other triggers so that on going change is everlasting. Most linear deterministic models take snap shots or longitudinal snapshots of reality. We would suggest the metaphor of some computer videos of stuttering, streaming and shifting pictures that are even more longitudinal than snap shots, but not quite that of a “moving” motion picture. However, that is the ultimate goal of chaos theory. It is the capturing of movement in real time.
8. Chaos is suggested by some as one of the great discoveries of the 20th century that is in the same league with the likes of quantum theory and theory of relativity. For the social sciences, we suggest that the theory is more sublimentary and will compliment but not replace the three major theories of equilibrium, conflict, and meaning.
9. Chaos theory will demand that all the social sciences may want to rethink the word science. In other words, social methodologies may replace the word social sciences, because chaos reminds the observer of the softness of predictions and interpretations.
10. Chaos theory, hopefully, will become common knowledge to students who take courses in the social sciences in the years ahead. This little book of essays is to reinforce the idea that chaos ought to be with us for a long, long time.