Constellation analysis

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The constellation analysis is a methodical-analytical bridging concept for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research . It assumes that different elements that can be distinguished are related to one another and are also of equal value to one another. Thus they can be put together to form constellations. The visualization of these constellations is a focus of the constellation analysis. It cannot be assigned to any specific scientific theory or discipline , but is primarily intended to better link different disciplines with one another.

aims

As a means for interdisciplinary research, constellation analysis has an instrumental character. It can be used to analyze and describe complex objects of investigation, to structure a problem or discourse, or to develop strategies and projects.

history

The constellation analysis has been developed since the late 1990s and increasingly since the beginning of the 21st century, especially at the Research Center Technology and Society at the Technical University of Berlin and the inter 3 Institute for Resource Management.

Visualization

Overview of the elements during the 2013 reflection

The constellations to be examined are described and interpreted with specific elements. These elements can be divided into four types:

  • social actors (e.g. people or groups)
  • natural elements (e.g. air, water, living beings, ...)
  • technical elements (e.g. hardware)
  • Drawing elements

These elements can be divided into three subgroups:

Since some elements can occur not only as a pure form, but also as a mixed form, there is the possibility of mapping them as “ hybrid elements”.

Each of these elements is treated as equal in the context of the constellation analysis. In the first step the elements are assigned to the four element types, in the next step they are related to each other. This is usually done using colored index cards on blackboards or pin boards. There are also different symbols for the type of relation (simple relation, feedback relation, irreconcilable relation, ...).

Limits and difficulties

One difficulty in constellation analysis is the delimitation of the constellation from other influences that can influence the result. It makes sense to delimit it by considering how relevant an area is for the question. Especially in interdisciplinary research projects, however, this can quickly lead to a delimitation along disciplinary boundaries. Due to the graphic conciseness, the visualization of a constellation can easily lead to particularly catchy graphics generating a kind of pseudo-consensus that is no longer critically checked for other ways of thinking.

literature

  • Dörte Ohlhorst, Benjamin Nölting, Martin Meister, Sylvia Kruse, Susanne Schön: Handbook of Constellation Analysis: An interdisciplinary bridging concept for sustainability, technology and innovation research . Ökom-Verlag, Munich 2007, ISBN 978-3-86581-044-1 .
  • Susanne Schön, Benjamin Nölting, Martin Meister: Constellation Analysis. An interdisciplinary bridge concept for technology, sustainability and innovation research. (Discussion Paper 12/2004) (Download as PDF )

Web links