Strengthening a Weak Link: Transparency of Causal Loop Diagrams, Current State and Recommendation.

ABSTRACT: Transparency is a critical aspect of systems science. While transparency of quantitative models has been assessed, transparency of their qualitative structures has been less scrutinized. We assess the transparency of causal loop diagrams (CLDs), a key qualitative visualization tool in system dynamics. We evaluate System Dynamics Review (SDR) publications and a sample of most-cited comparable articles in other journals. We assess the inclusion of a plain language methods statement, overall discernibility of the methods, and identification of causal link sources. Reviewing 72 articles (SDR: 36; other journals: 36), only 44%, 38%, and 25% fully satisfy each criterion, respectively. SDR articles are characterized by higher transparency in the clarity of CLD development met

SUBMITTER: Jalali MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11633294 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature