GABEK®

Knowledge organization deals with knowledge systems. Based on texts from interviews or other verbal data, experiences, opinions and attitudes of many people are networked. In the qualitative research procedure GABEK (Gractical Management of Complexity), texts are translated into conceptual knowledge systems. The following linguistic networks are used for systematisation: ‘association networks’, ‘shape trees’, ‘causal networks’, ‘action fields’. First, association networks are described and related to network research in recent years. Methods for reducing the complexity of conceptual networks are shown.The following is a description of the self-similar structure of shape trees, which are to be understood as logical-hierarchically structured networks between statements. As a third type of linguistic networks, impact networks are formed. These are directed graphs that represent the assumptions of the respondents about action-target relationships. Particularly interesting are feedback systems of causal relationships. If responsible persons are assigned to the individual action-target pairs, we get fields of action. They are used to identify overlaps of intended consequences and side effects and thus to determine minimal teams for implementing measures. Finally, examples of self-organised problem-solving cases initiated by the use of GABEK linguistic networks are described. It also proposes the development of a system that allows linguistic networks to be used both for knowledge consultation and for continuous knowledge adaptation and extension.

Time and place:

Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 4:15 PM

Max Planck Institute for
Dynamics and Self-Organization
Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
Bunsenstr. 10 / Lecture Hall, House 8, 37073 Göttingen