Research Design Using Systemic Thinking

PROLOGUE: HOW TO STRUCTURE THE PAPER

PREFACE

PART I - SCIENTIFIC STRATEGY

CHAPTER 1 â" APPROACHES AND PERSPECTIVES

Learning objectives:

Introduction

The scientific approach

Conclusion

Exercises

CHAPTER 2 THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Learning objectives:

Introduction

The general scientific method

Conclusion

Exercises

CHAPTER 3 SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE

Learning objectives:

Introduction

Different knowledge perspectives

Conclusion

Exercises

CHAPTER 4 SCIENTIFIC LANGUAGE

Learning objectives:

Introduction

Science as language

Conclusion

Exercises

PART II PROBLEMS, RESEARCH QUESTIONS, AND MODELS

CHAPTER 5: RESEARCH PROBLEMS

Learning objectives:

Introduction

The start of the process of asking questions

Relationships between problems

Problem solutions

Defining a problem

Problems and research questions: A summary

Conclusion

Exercises

CHAPTER 6: HYPOTHESES

Learning objectives:

Introduction

Low-level and high-level hypotheses

The purpose of concepts and hypotheses

Mental constructions

Phenomenological and dynamic hypotheses

Science in a free society

Everyday hypotheses and basic hypotheses

Factual hypotheses

Hypothesis testability

Conclusion

Exercises

CHAPTER 7 THEORIES

Learning objectives:

Introduction

The purpose of science

Theory development

Developing theories

Requirements for testing a theory

Conclusion

Exercises

CHAPTER 8 MODELS IN CONCEPTUAL PAPERS

Learning objectives:

Introduction

How we are guided by our models

The purpose of developing models

Analytical and causal models

Model types

Conclusion

Exercises

CHAPTER 9 EXPLANATIONS

Learning objectives:

Introduction

Describe, understand, explain

Explanations

Aspects of causal processes: a systemic point of view

Causal processes

Historical explanations

Functional explanations

Cybernetic explanations

Pattern-based explanations

Conclusion

Exercises

EPILOGUE: HOW TO WRITE CONCEPTUAL PAPERS

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1 A GENERAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR SYSTEMIC THINKING

APPENDIX 2 STUDYING PATTERNS

EXPLAINING CONCEPTS USED IN THE BOOK