A Seven-Step Primer on Soft Systems Methodology

I'm currently TAing for CSC2720H Systems Thinking for Global Problems, a graduate-level course on systems thinking. In class today we talked about soft systems thinking (SSM), an approach which uses systems thinking to tackle what are called "wicked problems". I thought I'd outline one approach to SSM, as it's useful to CS education research.


Step 1: Identify the domain of interest

Before you can research something, you should first decide what your domain is. What topic? What system are you studying? For example, "teaching computer science" could be your starting point, as could "climate change".

Chances are you're looking at a wicked problem. Conklin's definition of wicked problems are that:

1. The problem is not understood until after the formulation of a solution.
2. Wicked problems have no stopping rule.
3. Solutions to wicked problems are not right or wrong.
4. Every wicked problem is essentially novel and unique.
5. Every solution to a wicked problem is a 'one shot operation.'
6. Wicked problems have no given alternative solutions.

Because you're looking at a domain which doesn't have a clear definition or boundaries, you'll first want to immerse yourself in the domain. One trick is to draw "rich pictures", which are essentially visualized streams of consciousness.

You should also think about what perspectives you bring into this domain. What biases and privileges do you have going into this? Why are you interested in this domain? What do you have to gain or lose here?