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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |  Operations Family Tree Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The Iceberg Model separates visible events from patterns, structures, and mental models. This turns a single observation into a deeper understanding of why a problem keeps recurring. | For an event with a complicated course, the method breaks down the contributing factors along the timeline. It shows how conditions, decisions, and reactions together produce a course of events. | 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. | For a series of incidents with a similar pattern, the method arranges individual events as branches of a common origin. It makes visible which conditions keep recurring. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 2-6 h | 1-3 h | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-10 | 3-10 | 1-8 | 2-6 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale | Family Tree Diagram, Pattern Notes, Systemic Measures |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | SensemakingDecisionRationale | Root causePatternsIncidentSystemic |