GABEK®

GABEK is a method of software-assisted text analysis. Short presentation at the workshop "Mathematical Modeling & IT Specification of Knowledge, Methods and Strategies of Systems Theory" (22.-24.) April 2026, Schloss Dagstuhl is described only a module of the GABEK methodology. It shows how verbal data can be structured logically and hierarchically in the form of “shape trees”, so that each text in the shape tree – with the exception of the raw data – is justified by a text group of the next lower level. This understands complex situations, with the Gestalt tree serving as a compass of cognitive orientation. Subliminal theoretical knowledge can be reconstructed in the form of hypotheses or theories and verified using new verbal data.

• “Thinking” about a verbal database is described as an alternating focus of details and consideration of contexts that are clearly called from the database. This makes holistic connections between different aspects clear: long-term decision areas can be distinguished from medium-term priorities and these from operational goals and short-term measures.

• With the Gestaltenbaum, the entire knowledge that is expressed in the database is structured. Texts of the database on given topics are displayed. This also makes it possible to uncover hidden, implicit knowledge in the database and to take it into account in action plans. New questions are suggested that indicate possible inovative changes.