Using system dynamics modeling to understand the impact of social change initiatives.
Community psychologists have a long history of interest in understanding social systems and how to bring about enduring positive change in these systems. However, the methods that community psychologists use to anticipate and evaluate the changes that result from system change efforts are less well developed. In the current paper, we introduce readers to system dynamics modeling, an action research approach to studying complex systems and the consequences of system change. We illustrate this approach by describing a system dynamics model of educational reform. We provide readers with an introduction to system dynamics modeling, as well as describe the strengths and limitations of the approach for application to community psychology.
Hirsch
Gary B
GB
Creator of Learning Environments, Wayland, MA 01778, USA. GBHirsch@comcast.net
Levine
Ralph
R
Miller
Robin Lin
RL
D000124:Achievement; D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004493:Education; D005178:Faculty; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D012922:Social Change; D013334:Students; D014481:United States