Rigorously interpreted quotation analysis for evaluating causal loop diagrams in late‐stage conceptualization

As a field, system dynamics has made more progress in developing formal model evaluation methods that use quantitative data than ones that use qualitative data. This article describes a formal method for evaluating a causal loop diagram (CLD) in late‐stage conceptualization – referred to as rigorous...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:System dynamics review 2022-01, Vol.38 (1), p.41-80
Main Authors: Tomoaia‐Cotisel, Andrada, Allen, Samuel D., Kim, Hyunjung, Andersen, David, Chalabi, Zaid
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Formal method
Qualitative analysis
System dynamics
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Summary:As a field, system dynamics has made more progress in developing formal model evaluation methods that use quantitative data than ones that use qualitative data. This article describes a formal method for evaluating a causal loop diagram (CLD) in late‐stage conceptualization – referred to as rigorously interpreted quotation analysis – and illustrates its application in a case study. The method uses a systematic and explicit interpretive process to confirm or disconfirm all diagram elements in a CLD by comparing it to stakeholders’ verbatim descriptions of their experiences in a complex dynamic situation. In so doing, this method enables the resolution of discrepancies between a CLD and qualitative data, building confidence in the structural aspects of a dynamic hypothesis. It does so via a process that is approachable for experts and stakeholders alike. © 2022 System Dynamics Society.
ISSN:0883-7066
1099-1727
DOI:10.1002/sdr.1701