New Hope for Policy Schools

This report explores the potential of systems thinking as a transformative educational tool for policymakers. Our study conducted an investigation into the effectiveness of the Distinctions Systems Relationships Perspectives (DSRP) model in enhancing the comprehension and application of systems thinking among a sample representative of the U.S. population. The quasi-experimental design utilized a short training video to introduce participants to the DSRP methodology within a survey to measure changes in their response to a realistic policy problem scenario. Results were highly statistically significant and indicated a 200-500% improvement in participants' ability to apply systems thinking concepts after the intervention and resulted in better problem-solving ability overall. This suggests that systems thinking education, particularly through the DSRP model, could significantly enhance policy formulation and decision-making processes. We situated our study within a Systems Literature Review on systems thinking, policy education, and complex decision making. Our review revealed a dearth of empirically-backed approaches to policy development and decision making while DSRP is the strongest theory of systems thinking with concrete evidence. Overall, our research findings advocate for the integration of systems thinking into policy education curricula to better equip future policymakers to tackle complex societal issues.