Educational Systems Theory

Property: Equifinality

Definition:

"Educational system equifinality is derivability of conditions from other states." (p. 65)

Comments:

Unlike state determinacy, in which conditions may derived from only one state, equifinality is evidenced when there exists more than one way to derive a condition.

Illustration:

Illustration under construction.

Examples:

An example from human physiology might be the various ways in which one can raise (or lower) body heat. If an elevation in body heat is desired, one might wrap in blankets, sit before a fire or other heat source, engage in exercise such as running in place, etc. Because more than one way exists for the one to elevate one's body heat, there is system equifinality with regard to this condition.

If a student needs a costume for a school play, a variety of alternatives may be taken. The student might borrow a costume from the school, purchase it from a costume maker, or make the costume himself.

Moreover, a variety of alternatives may exist for a student to learn a language, such as French. The student might learn via text materials, from audio or video tapes, from practice conversations with his teacher or peers, or from staying in France for a period of time.

Related Terms:

Educational System Stability,

Educational System State Steadiness

Educational System State Determinacy

Educational System Homeostasis

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Hypotheses Containing the Property: Equifinality

# 155. If educational system equifinality is greater than some value, then regulation is less than some value.

# 156. If educational system equifinality at a given time and education system homeostasis is greater than some value, then regulation is less than some value.

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