Transcript Document

Class 5:
Applying Theory
UTA SSW, SOCW 6355
Advanced use of Information Technology in the Human Services
Professor Dick Schoech
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Overview of Class
Use of Theory
Systems Theory
Decision Making Theory
Other Relevant Theories
Definition & Use of Theory
 Definition of Theory (from theory at a glance)
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Systematic way of understanding a broad variety of
events/situations
set of concepts, definitions, and propositions that explain or
predict events/situations by illustrating the relationships
between them
 Uses of theory
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Provide a conceptual framework & building blocks
Provide a common vocabulary
Challenge practice wisdom about “why,” “what,” and “what if”
Guide practice and its evaluation, e.g., variables to measure
Systems Theory
(should be a review of SOCW 3306/5306)
Definition
Types
 Concepts
 Application of systems theory
Systems Theory Definition
 Systems are elements in interaction
 Systems thinking vs. traditional thinking
Characteristic
Overall view
Key processes
Type of analysis
Focus of investigation
State during investigation
Basic assumption
Problem resolution
Operation of parts
Traditional thinking
Reductionistic, focus is on the parts
Analysis
Deduction
Attributes of objects
Static
Cause and effect
A static solution
Optimal
Systems thinking
Holistic, focus is on the whole
Synthesis
Induction
Interdependence of objects
Dynamic
Multiple, probabilistic causality
An adaptive system or modeling
Suboptimal
Systems Types: Open Vs. Closed
 An open system interacts with its environment.
 A closed system receives no inputs from its
environment & entropy or decay sets in.
 Systems have different levels of being open or
closed.
 A variety of inputs is required to help a system to
remain open.
 Implications
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Need to create as open a system as possible to avoid
entropy.
Systems Concepts: Hierarchy
 Systems are nested in a hierarchy, that is,
systems consist of subsystems and systems
operate within environments (e.g., Russian
Nesting Dolls)
 Implications
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Need to specify what level of the hierarchy you
are focusing on as that level becomes the
system of interest.
Systems Concepts: Boundaries
 Boundaries are the interface between a system and
its subsystems or a system and its environment.
 Friction occurs at the boundaries of a system, e.g.,
Where rubber hits the road, when planes take off and
land, between an agency and its client.
 Implications
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By examining the boundaries of a system, we can
often isolate the friction and its causes.
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May need boundary spanning roles to ease friction
Systems Concepts: Inputs, etc.
 All systems have:
Inputs 
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processes 
output 
Criteria (feedback loop) 
 Implications
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By identifying and mapping the cycles of
inputs, processes and outputs, we can define
a system better and learn a lot about how it
behaves
Systems Concepts: Goal Seeking
 Systems tend to be goal seeking, that is, they move
in the direction of goal achievement.
 Systems without well defined goals often go in many
different directions.
 The primary goal of a system is survival. All goals
will be sacrificed in order for a system to survive.
 Implications

Need to make sure IT applications have a widely
shared goal among the stakeholders
Systems Concepts: Cybernetics
 For a system to work properly, it must have control
mechanisms.
 Control mechanisms
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Accept information about system outputs
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Evaluate information using goal related criteria
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Use the feedback as additional inputs
 Cybernetics is the study of feedback & control.
 Implications
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Examining the feedback and control mechanisms of a
system will allow you to see causes of system failure
Systems Concepts: Equilibrium
 Systems tend toward a state of non-change called
homeostasis or equilibrium
 Systems that are most amenable to change are those
that are failing (survival is threatened) and successful
and can take risks without threatening survival
 Implications
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Assume any changes you propose will be resisted
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Assume that no system will change unless it
receives new inputs
Systems Concepts: Elaboration
 When systems change, they tend to move in
the direction of differentiation and
elaboration
 Systems like change only if it allows them to
become larger entities like themselves
Systems Concepts: Synergy
 Systems working well experience synergy
where the total system output are greater
than the sum of all inputs.
 Synergy is also called nonsummitivity
 Implications
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For synergy to occur, subsystems must not
maximize, but sacrifice optimization and
cooperate for the good of the overall system,
e.g., Teamwork.
Systems Theory — Application
 Applications are information models of the application
 Expect equilibrium and thus resistance
 Build in continuous feedback and improvement
 Most applications are changes to the old system, so
understanding the old system is one of the first steps
 Since all systems are goal seeking, have well defined
goals
 Put in boundary spanning roles if systems span
boundaries
 Since systems like elaboration and differentiation,
have ways to limit application scope, e.g., balance
between user, manager, and IT needs.
Networks Vs Industrial Thinking
 Innovation is more importation than optimization
 To discover the unknown, must abandon the successful
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known
Things more plentiful are more valuable (fax machine)
Wealth follows things that are free (shareware)
Abandon a product/occupation/industry when it is at its best
Seek sustainable disequilibrium to keep things in “churn”
It is more important to do the right job than to do the job
right
Seeking opportunities is more important for leaders than
solving problems
Source: Kevin Kelly, Wired Magazine, Sep 97, p. 140+
Decision Making Theory
 Key Concepts
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Optimizing = find best option
Satisficing = find one of many acceptable options
 Evidence based decision making
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(URLs to be updated)
Generic Steps = http://www2.uta.edu/ssw/trainasfa/ebpconcept.htm
Child abuse example http://www2.uta.edu/ssw/trainasfa/ebptdprs.htm
 Text, Figures 7.5, 7.6, 7.7
 Genetic basis of decision making
Other Relevant Theories
Theories for behavior change applications
 Theory of planned behavior
(norms+attitudes+self efficacy>intent to change=behavior change)
 Stages of change theory (precontemplation, contemplation,
preparation, action, maintenance, and termination)
 Social learning theory (stimulus-response)
 Cognitive behavioral theory (thoughts influence emotions
which then influence behaviors)
 Game theory (learn by doing, fun is best, motivate using challenge)
 Resiliency theory (reduce risk factors, increase protective factors)
 Ecological theory (involve family/work/community)
 Diffusion of Innovation theory
(examine people, innovation, situation)
Conclusion
 Systems and decision making theory are
basic to understanding most applications
 In an evidence informed practice model,
theory should explain and guide design
application and its success
 Theory behind the design influences results
 Behavior change theories are relevant since
resistance to adoption usually exists