The technique originating from the study of ecological systems for the examination of dynamic educational systems over time is utilized. The technique is based on the theory of energy exchanges in interactions between variables. Using this technique, interactions among variables can be specified and simulated over time using an analog computer. Variables can then be examined under controlled conditions. The procedure was found to duplicate known findings from Atkinson's achievement motivation theory. Over long time periods, changes not hypothesized appear among variables which may have ramifications for empirical research procedures. (Author)