Collecting and analyzing qualitative data for system dynamics: methods and models

Abstract System dynamics depends heavily upon quantitative data to generate feedback models. Qualitative data and their analysis also have a central role to play at all levels of the modeling process. Although the classic literature on system dynamics strongly supports this argument, the protocols to incorporate this information during the modeling process are not detailed by the most influential authors. Data‐gathering techniques such as interviews and focus groups, and qualitative data analysis techniques such as grounded theory methodology and ethnographic decision models could have a strong, critical role in rigorous system dynamics efforts. This article describes some of the main qualitative, social science techniques and explores their suitability in the different stages of the modeling process. Additionally, the authors argue that the techniques described in the paper could contribute to the understanding of the modeling process, facilitate communication among modelers and clients, and set up a methodological framework to promote constructive discussion around the merits of qualitative versus quantitative modeling. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.