SATM 2.3 Methodology, Theory, and Practice

We can establish some further important distinctions if we consider the relationships between the concepts of methodology, theory and practice. A good starting point is Checkland's summary of the elements he sees as necessary in any piece of research (Checkland and Holwell, 1998, Information, Systems and Information Systems, Wiley, Chichester.) In Figure 2.1 we see three such elements.

There must be a "framework of ideas" (F) in which knowledge about the situation being researched is expressed. This can be the current theory of a particular discipline although it might also be something much looser than this. 

Then there is a methodology (M) in which the F is embodied. The M marshals various methods, tools and techniques in a manner appropriate to the F and uses them to investigate the situation of interest.

The third element is this situation of interest or "area of concern" (A). "A" might be a particular problem in a discipline or it can be some real-world problem situation. When we talk about practice in systems thinking we are usually referring to intervention in some real-world "A." Because the research revolves around a real-world A, it is unlikely that any single discipline will be able to provide a suitable F. Model 2 research is therefore "trans-disciplinary."

(Jackson, 2000, Systems Approaches to Management, Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. NY. P12~14)