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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-3 h | 1-2 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-8 | 1-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality |