Call for action.  A call for action at the tail (source) of a causal link is intended to result in some form of management or control action at the head (sink) of that link.

CATWOE.  CATWOE is a mnemonic of the six crucial characteristics which should be included in a well formulated root definition used in Soft Systems Methodology: customer,actor,transformation process,weltanshauung,owner,environmental constraints

Causal Link.  A causal link in a causal loop diagram, cognitive map, concept map, influence diagram depicts causality.

Causal loop diagram.  A causal loop diagram is a convenient way of representing the principal feedback loops and related causal relationships relevant to a particular problem situation, without distinguishing between the nature of the interconnected variables.

Causality (causal loop diagram).  In a causal loop diagram, the influence of one variable on another is causality.

Causality (cognitive or concept map).  Causality or causal relationships are represented by arrows in cognitive maps or concept maps, where each arrow means 'leads to '.

Choke point.  A choke point is a leverage point that can work against us.

Cognition.  Cognition is the faculty of knowing, perceiving and conceiving (conceptualising).

Cognitive Content.  Cognitive content is a term used to describe the extent to which a cause map represents phenomenological beliefs and causal notions within an interlinked, systemic pattern.

Cognitive Map.  A cognitive map is a personal mind map or a mapping of the thoughts an individual has about a particular situation or problem of interest.

Complexity.  Complexity describes that which comprises myriad parts, or which is complicated in nature.

Complexity Index.  The Complexity Index is used to indicate inherent complexity of a problem, or class of problems.

Complexity Theory.  Complexity theory begins by acknowledging the interrelated nature of things as well as emergence, where the whole is experienced as greater than the sum of the parts.

Concept.  In general usage, a concept is a general notion. In concept mapping, a concept is also an idea or general notion.

Concept Map.  A concept map is a mind map, which contains the perspectives and inputs of several individuals.

Conflicting Link.  Conflict relationships are a special case of the connotative relationship, but where the concepts at the ends of each line cannot co-exist without conflict, or a state of stress being created.

Connotative Link.  A link where causality may act in either direction at different times or under varying circumstances is known as a connotative link.

Consequence.  Consequence is the outcome of an event or situation expressed qualitatively or quantitatively, being a loss, injury, disadvantage or gain.

Correlation.  A correlation is a statistical device used to indicate the extent to which one measure can be linked to another.

Cybernetic.  Norbert Wiener’s word for autonomic feedback control.

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