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Criterion
Paper illustration of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Causal Loop Diagram workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Causal Loop Diagram
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping
Purposedifferent
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 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.When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on.
Complexitysame
MediumMediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 h1-2 h1-3 h1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
2-81-82-81-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Issue Map, Positions, Argument NotesConcept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsCausal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage PointsArgument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale
Tagsno overlap
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics
SensemakingDecisionRationale
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