Abstract for: Exploring Approaches to Conceptualization in System Dynamics Modeling

Model conceptualization in System Dynamics (SD) is a critical yet often underexplored phase of the modeling process, frequently described as both an art and a science. SD practitioners employ different approaches to develop conceptual models, sometimes using multiple methods in parallel—particularly when addressing complex or unfamiliar problem domains. However, there is currently no structured framework that catalogs or evaluates these conceptualization methods. This study addresses this gap by systematically reviewing over 100 peer-reviewed SD studies published between 1990 and 2023. It critically evaluates various approaches, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in the context of model conceptualization. From this review, ten distinct approaches to model conceptualization are identified and critically evaluated in terms of their strengths, limitations, and applicability. This work presents the first structured framework of conceptualization methods in SD, offering practical guidance for modelers to select and apply approaches best suited to their case studies, reducing reliance on ad hoc strategies. The findings underscore the importance of integrating multiple perspectives to develop more robust dynamic hypotheses. While these methods primarily support qualitative modeling, we acknowledge that quantitative SD model building typically requires extensive iteration and trial and error. Finally, this study highlights key gaps in the literature and proposes directions for future research to advance SD methodology and model-building practices.