Abstract for: System Dynamics Model Types: An Organizing Framework for Considering Model Quality

Despite decades of discourse, the diversity of system dynamics models has prevented a coherent shared understanding of model quality. Model quality evaluation has historically been subjective and nuanced, with criteria driven by the experiences and expertise of the individual modeler. This paper addresses the critical issue of model quality in system dynamics by introducing a novel schema that categorizes models by type and associated quality criteria. Our proposed schema delineates model types along two dimensions: the need for data-driven analysis and the level of quantitative rigor. This work introduces a schema for classifying system dynamics models by type, along with associated quality criteria and appropriate uses. By clarifying model types, we hope to enhance communication among modelers and provide a framework for aligning quality criteria with intended uses. This structured approach can facilitate more consistent evaluation strategies and illuminates the trade-offs involved in model design and development. We hope that this structure will help the field of system dynamics to organize discussions around model quality, leading to clearer recommendations and a better understanding of the nuances of model purpose.