Abstract
This article examines one approach to theory and research that has recently cut across a number of different fields of inquiry in physical and social sciences, linguistics, and literature. The literature on chaos theory or chaotic systems modeling was reviewed, and some general concepts that characterize this research approach developed from the review. Chaotic systems concepts then were used to analyze a case study of rapid growth and conflict in a school district in search of insight into the utility of chaotic modeling for research in educational administration. The authors conclude that difficulties arising from the need for very precise initial measurements, data in forms that lend themselves to pattern modeling, and precise meanings for chaotic systems concepts limit its application to research in educational administration.
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