The effectiveness of a new model structure behavior visualization technique: An experimental study of the Forio model explorer

Abstract

System dynamisists have a difficult time communicating the knowledge learned during the model building process to the general public and decision makers. (Warren and Langley 1999) In this study one of the most popular methods for communicating the results from the modeling process causal loop diagraming was tested vs. a new technique known as the model explorer. A dynamic task was created which participants had to solve. Participants were divided into two treatment groups, the first receiving a CLD the second a model explorer. There were no statistical differences between the two groups when comparing scores in each run, or the improvement of each participant from run to run. This means that the model explorer performed no worse or better then a CLD and should be considered another tool in the toolbox of system dynamisists for when they need to explain the knowledge gained from the modeling process. This research opens up questions around the effectiveness of the model explorer on large complex model where the CLD is generally weaker; might it be that the model explorer may prove to be more effective then current techniques there?