¹Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan, Delft, The Netherlands

Correspondence: TE van der Lei, Policy Analysis Section, Faculty of Technology Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628BX, Delft, The Netherlands. E-mail: t.e.vanderlei@tudelft.nl

Received February 2008; Accepted June 2008; Published online 24 September 2008.

Abstract

Problem structuring methods (PSMs) are proposed as vital tools for coping with complex and unstructured problems that help decision-makers make decisions or come to a shared understanding of a problem situation. Despite their popularity, choosing a PSM for an unstructured problem situation is problematic as good categorization and evaluation of PSMs is lacking. As a first step we postulate a categorization of quantitative PSMs applied to multi-actor situations. We list the different application areas, the types of design that were used, and the type of outcomes the methods provide. To understand why and how certain PSMs are applied, we categorize applications of metagames/conflict analysis, hypergames, drama theory, Q-methodology, and transactional analysis. We find that method choice and validation of the applications are yet underdeveloped for this specific sub-field, and suggest further work on this as it will help to understand the added value of PSMs.