DOI
10.1177/1356389020976153

Summary
The use of complexity science in evaluation has received growing attention over the last 20 years. We present the use of a novel complexity-appropriate method ? Participatory Systems Mapping ? in two real-world evaluation contexts and consider how this method can be applied more widely in evaluation. Participatory Systems Mapping involves the production of a causal map of a system by a diverse set of stakeholders. The map, once refined and validated, can be analysed and used in a variety of ways in an evaluation or in evaluation planning. The analysis approach combines network analysis with subjective information from stakeholders. We suggest Participatory Systems Mapping shows great potential to offer value to evaluators due to the unique insights it offers, the relative ease of its use, and its complementarity with existing evaluation approaches and methods.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
This article is a detailed instruction on one way of doing participatory systems mapping. As such it is vary valuable, particularly as it demonstrates with a case study what can be achieved.

Point of Strength
The article can be used by students and researchers who aim to set up a particpatory study involving systesm mapping.