Learning from Evidence in a Complex World

Sources of Policy Resistance

Our Goals and Actions

Through our actions we seek to bring the state of the system in line with our goals

Fig. 1 - Our Goals and Actions [Source]

So called "Side effects" or Unintended consequences change our goals

Fig. 2 - Our Side Effects [Source]

Fig. 3 - Other Agents Respond [Source]

Fig. 4 - Their Side Effects [Source]

Learning from Evidence in a Complex World Sterman, John D. Am J Public Health 2006 96: 505-514

Additional Resources
Systems Thinking World Discussions
Questions & Comments to Geoff McDonnell