Diagrams have long been used in participatory modelling to allow researchers to move away from equations (which are accessible to only a few) to diagrams of how systems work.
Causal loop diagrams are most often used in the early stages of projects, and therefore act as a continually evolving picture of the groups’ understanding of a system. By introducing them early on, it is hoped that the basic function of the system can be thought through before model building commences.
