systems theory
- noun
- /ˈsɪstəmz ˈθɪəri/
- Specialized
:
teoría de sistemas
- According to systems theory, every part of a system interacts and influences one another, highlighting the interconnectedness of relationships.
- ecological systems theory
- family systems theory
- general systems theory
Examples
-
Social workers trained in group dynamics and systems theory can make valuable contributions as committee members.
Academic text (1993) -
Ecological systems theory highlights four nested structures that include but extend beyond the classroom setting.
Academic text (2008) -
The relation between modern systems theory and ancient Chinese thought now becomes apparent.
Academic text (1993) -
Ecological systems theory, also grounded in rational knowing, is pointing us in the same direction.
Academic text (2000) -
Einstein's quest for a unified field theory was, in essence, a search for a general systems theory.
Academic text (2009) -
Within NAHC, members of the family and child guidance clinical staff use the Bowen family systems theory.
Academic text (2009) -
The science of complexity has its foundations in systems theory and chaos theory, but delves deeper into the underlying order of our universe.
Academic text (2001) -
The scientific, observable basis of systems theory is considered to be dramatically different from the analytic view of psychoanalysis.
Academic text (2001) -
Waltz's project revolves around his rejection of reductionism and his argument that a systems theory is necessary for the understanding of international politics.
Academic text (1996) -
According to systems theory, transactions occur between the multiple structures within every environment (Bronfenbrenner, 1979; Seidman, 1988).
Academic text (2011)
How General
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Formal
1
7.7
- Formal
7
5.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'system' (a collection of interacting components) with 'theory' (a set of ideas about something): 'systems theory' is simply a theory about systems. This noun+noun compounding pattern ('X theory' = theory of X) is a common, compositional structure across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
The term systems theory comes from a simple image: systems are many parts that work together and theory is the idea about how they affect each other, like gears in a clock. So, systems theory now means a way to study how different parts of any 'system', like an animal, a company or a city, work together.