A simple guide to chaos and complexity. Issue 11 (12th October 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rickles, Dean; Hawe, Penelope; Shiell, Alan
• Is Part Of: Journal of epidemiology and community health. Volume 61:Issue 11(2007)
• Page Start: 933
• Page End: 937
• Publication Date: 2007-10-12
• Subjects: nonlinear dynamics, chaos theory, complexity; Public health -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1136/jech.2006.054254
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-005X

Abstract

Abstract : The concepts of complexity and chaos are being invoked with increasing frequency in the health sciences literature. However, the concepts underpinning these concepts are foreign to many health scientists and there is some looseness in how they have been translated from their origins in mathematics and physics, which is leading to confusion and error in their application. Nonetheless, used carefully, "complexity science" has the potential to invigorate many areas of health science and may lead to important practical outcomes; but if it is to do so, we need the discipline that comes from a proper and responsible usage of its concepts. Hopefully, this glossary will go some way towards achieving that objective.