George Papachristos

Case Study and System Dynamics Research: Pluralism and Evolutionary Theory Development George Papachristos

This monograph explores the complementary use of system dynamics and case study research methodology for process theory development. The underlying rationale for this lies on the limitations of human cognition, particularly in understanding the evolution of complex non linear systems and processes in time. These pose serious challenges when attempting to infer with confidence the causal mechanisms of a phenomenon of interest. Viewing research as an evolutionary process where better explanations are continuously sought, generated, selected and retained, simulation can be of use both in increasing the range of alternatives considered and serving as a concrete test bed upon which the selection process takes place, thus facilitating the attainment of a satisfactory level of system understanding. Modelling and simulation has the added benefit of providing a documented artefact through which conclusions are reached. This allows replication or at least a thorough review of the logical process that the researcher followed to reach conclusions.