@inproceedings{discovery1470562, address = {Cambridge, USA}, publisher = {System Dynamics Society}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 33rd International Conference of the System Dynamics Society}, volume = {2015}, month = {July}, note = {This version is the version of record. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.}, pages = {P1278}, series = {International Conference of the System Dynamics Society (}, title = {Meaning-making in the process of participatory system dynamics research}, year = {2015}, journal = {Proceedings of the 33rd International Conference of the System Dynamics Society* Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA -- July 19-23, 2015}, author = {Zimmermann, NS and Black, LJ and Shrubsole, C and Davies, M}, url = {https://proceedings.systemdynamics.org/2015/proceed/index.html}, abstract = {Similar to validation techniques, participatory methods try to alleviate bounded rationality in the process of modelling in order to build better models. In addition, they aim to change par-ticipants understanding, decision making and actions. While good examples of best practice exist in participatory system dynamics, a unified underlying social theory of collaboration or learning, or even competing theories are missing. To support the development of a theoretical-ly grounded participatory process, we draw on the distinction of bounded rationality repre-sented in model content as well as in the modelling process itself and specifically draw on theories of meaning construction by George Herbert Mead and relate them to a case example in the area of housing. We argue that participatory methods should include four elements of meaning-making (i.e. gesturing, naming, acting, and iterating) in order to change participant's mental models. This will also change the contents represented in the generated system dynam-ics models, e.g. from a fragmented to a more holistic view.} }