Get Your Model Out There: Advancing Methods for Developing and Using Causal-Loop Diagrams

Author

Erin Suzanne Kenzie, Portland State UniversityFollow

Sponsor

Portland State University. Systems Science Ph. D. Program

First Advisor

Wayne Wakeland

Term of Graduation

Winter 2021

Date of Publication

3-5-2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Systems Science

Department

Systems Science

Language

English

Subjects

System theory, System analysis

DOI

10.15760/etd.7536

Physical Description

1 online resource (x, 166 pages)

Abstract

As simple visual diagrams of key dynamics in complex systems, causal-loop diagrams could meet known needs in settings such as theory-based program evaluation and qualitative research. Methods for developing and using causal-loop diagrams, however, are underdeveloped. This dissertation comprises three articles that advance these methods. The first paper describes a systematic review of evaluation studies utilizing causal-loop diagramming to illustrate program theory. The second paper pilots an improved method for systematically generating causal-loop diagrams from qualitative data. The third paper presents a protocol for an interview-based approach to mapping mental models. Together, this research contributes to recognizing the modeler as co-creator, reframes the relationship between intervention and context, and enables more diverse uses for causal-loop diagrams. Ultimately, this research serves to improve the rigor and transparency of methods for developing causal-loop diagrams, broadening their potential applications for modeling, research, and evaluation.

Rights

© 2021 Erin Suzanne Kenzie

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Comments

The defense presentation associated with this dissertation may be accessed at: https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/34921

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/35142

Recommended Citation

Kenzie, Erin Suzanne, "Get Your Model Out There: Advancing Methods for Developing and Using Causal-Loop Diagrams" (2021). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 5664.
https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.7536