The Qualitative Systems Exploration Model (QSEM): A New Framework to Support the Structural Analysis of Causal Loop Diagrams Within Participatory System Dynamics

Adam Hulme; Duncan Radley; Andrew D. Brown; Jefferson K. Rajah; Birgit Kopainsky; Loes Crielaard; Harriet Koorts; James Nobles

doi:10.1002/sdr.70015

The Qualitative Systems Exploration Model (QSEM): A New Framework to Support the Structural Analysis of Causal Loop Diagrams Within Participatory System Dynamics

Adam Hulme, Duncan Radley, Andrew D. Brown, Jefferson K. Rajah, Birgit Kopainsky, Loes Crielaard, Harriet Koorts James Nobles

System Dynamics Review, Vol.42(1), pp.1-22

2026

: https://doi.org/10.1002/sdr.70015

This paper introduces the Qualitative Systems Exploration Model (QSEM), a new semi-quantitative framework for systematically interpreting and analyzing Causal Loop Diagrams within participatory system dynamics. QSEM is applied at late-stage model conceptualization and offers researchers and modeling practitioners a set of tools and techniques to improve transparency and reproducibility in model assessment, ensuring that component and feedback structure selections are traceable and well justified. Throughout its three core phases: (i) System Factor Classification; (ii) Loops of Interest; and (iii) Archetype Identification and Analysis, QSEM integrates with established Group Model Building scripts to facilitate structured participant engagement and collaborative sensemaking. Real-world application is demonstrated in a commissioned government project aimed at understanding factors influencing dietary choices and food systems, where the framework helped identify potential policy-relevant system drivers. Future directions involve applying QSEM in other projects, evaluating its robustness, consistency, and scalability, refining archetype detection, enhancing data visualization, and exploring dedicated software solutions to expand its utility in qualitative SD.

: The Qualitative Systems Exploration Model (QSEM): A New Framework to Support the Structural Analysis of Causal Loop Diagrams Within Participatory System Dynamics
: Adam Hulme (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Duncan Radley - Leeds Beckett University
Andrew D. Brown - Deakin University
Jefferson K. Rajah - University of Bergen
Birgit Kopainsky - University of Bergen
Loes Crielaard - Amsterdam University Medical Centers
Harriet Koorts - Deakin University
James Nobles - Leeds Beckett University
: System Dynamics Review, Vol.42(1), pp.1-22
: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
: 2026
: 10.1002/sdr.70015
: 1099-1727; 0883-7066
: The data that supports the findings of this study is available in the Supporting Information of this article.
: Using systems science to secure the health workforce against climate change, DE240100095, Australian Research Council (Australia, Canberra) - ARC
: Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
: English
: 991200750102621
: Journal article