Research Design Using Systemic Thinking

Research Design Using Systemic Thinking: Describing the General Scientific Method provides a fresh approach to conducting research, emphasizing the importance of systemic thinking as a framework for structuring scientific inquiry. This book offers a comprehensive guide to navigating the research process, from formulating a research problem to synthesizing findings. It bridges theoretical insights and practical application, ensuring that readers can effectively communicate their research using scientifically rigorous methods. This book helps readers move beyond specific research techniques, providing a general scientific method applicable across disciplines. Key features include an exploration of scientific language, theory development, problem analysis, and hypothesis formulation, all through the lens of systemic thinking. It provides step-by-step guidance on how to approach and resolve complex research challenges, develop conceptual models, and offer clear explanations, making it an essential resource for researchers at any stage. Ideal for postgraduate students, early-career researchers, and established academics, this book is a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their research design skills. It is suitable for individuals engaged in a variety of fields, including social sciences, business, humanities, and more, and is an excellent supplementary text for research methodology courses.

Jon-Arild Johannessen is a professor of leadership at Kristiania University of Applied Science, Oslo, Norway. He holds a master of science in history from Oslo University and a PhD in systemic thinking from Stockholm University. With extensive academic experience, he has previously held full professorships in innovation at Syd-Danske University (Denmark), management at The Arctic University (Norway), information management at Bodø Graduate School of Business (Norway), and knowledge management at the Norwegian School of Management.

PROLOGUE: HOW TO STRUCTURE THE PAPER PREFACE PART I - SCIENTIFIC STRATEGY CHAPTER 1 - 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