Comparing dialogue mapping and causal mapping
Comparison of issues relevant to
introducing dialogue mapping or causal Dialogue mapping Causal mapping
mapping to a new group
Addresses basic planning questions:
1. What should we do?
Yes Yes
2. Why should we do it?
3. How should we do it?
Methodology provides a framework to
welcome and reconcile diverse points Yes Yes
of view
Ongoing support tool for short term (3-4 "One shot" approach for time-sensitive
Timeframe of use
meetings) or long term (project life) intervention
Multiple levels of maps with fine
Big picture
granularity
Nature of maps "Snapshot"
"Slow motion video"
Captures thinking at a moment in time
Remains current as long as used
Level of technique understanding Medium: some introduction and more
Low: can acquire intuitively during use
required of group members guidance required
Medium to high: careful design required
Pre-meeting design preparation Low: can fit structure of most project
to guide process toward desired
required meetings
outcomes
Medium: group should have a common
Group coherence required Any
aim
Medium: requires fairly open
Ability to deal with social complexity High
atmosphere and unity of goals
Simpler structure may be easier for More complex structure may capture
Other newcomers and outsiders to interrelated nature of issues more
comprehend concisely