Using systems thinking to understand and enlarge mental models

Who it's for: Anyone looking for an example of how to use a systems thinking approach to study a large and complex socio-political-environmental issue.

Why we love it: This paper explores how systems thinking can be used to expand mental models towards embracing sustainability. Through the use of causal loop diagrams, the author illustrates the complex interactions taking place within socio-economic and environmental systems. The paper concludes by presenting discussion on how to expand mental models towards sustainable development.

Citation: Garrity, E. J. (2018). Using Systems Thinking to Understand and Enlarge Mental Models: Helping the Transition to a Sustainable World. Systems, 6(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems6020015