2.1 Trap 1 Dealing with reductionism

This is a causal loop diagram with two loops (on either side of the figure) that share a common segment (in the middle of the figure). Highlighted at bottom centre is the cause: “complex situation with many variables’. The two loops are described separately below, with the shared connections in ordinary font and the sections unique to each loop in bold. Left hand loop: complex situation with many variables; can ‘suggest need for’ reduced number of variables; which ‘means’ selecting variables that can be easily understood and worked with; which ‘may mean’ discarding possibly important factors; which ‘can lead to’ unintended consequences; which ‘can reinforce’ complex situation with many variables. Right hand loop: complex situation with many variables; can ‘suggest need for’ reduced number of variables; which ‘means’ selecting variables that can be easily understood and worked with; which ‘may reinforce’ sense of professional well-being; which ‘can lead to’ silo mentality amongst many professional groups; which ‘can reinforce’ complex situation with many variables