Making Systems Thinking Public: Collaborative Construction, Revision and Use of Computer-Based Causal Loop Diagrams

Abstract

To solve complex real-world problems in life science, it is important for students to adopt a systems approach. This study examined a 2-week unit that used computer-based causal loop diagramming to foster university students’ systems thinking about obesity. Analysis of the causal loop diagrams revealed a significant shift toward a systems approach and showed that it was supported by a construct-revise-use process. The findings suggest the potential of causal loop diagramming to foster systems thinking.