Paper computer (Vester)
A paper computer (also known as Vester's influence matrix, cross-linking matrix or cross-linking grid) is a graphic aid developed by Frederic Vester in 1970 for the creation of connections between different terms based on assumed cause-effect relationships . Vester later calls this tool the influence matrix. The aim is to work out which influences have to be changed in order to achieve a certain result. An application example for teacher training would be the question of which factors have to be changed in order to increase the motivation to learn.
The sole authorship of Frederic Vester is controversial, but the foundations of his work go back to the cross-impact analysis published in the 1960s by the Rand Corporation , the lead authors were Theodore Gordon and Olaf Helmer . In contrast to the RAND Corporation , Vester chose a much simpler name and only uses the simplest numbers for the evaluation.
| effect on | evaluation | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effect of | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | F6 | F7 | F8 | AS | V |
| F1 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| F2 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| F3 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| F4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| F5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| F6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| F7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| F8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 |
| PS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| A. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Paper computer with 8 factors (here without data) |
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construction
Vester's paper computer is created as a two-dimensional matrix . The individual positions are entered both horizontally and vertically (similar to the distance tables in atlases ). The individual positions are assessed according to their influence and ability to be influenced. Numbers between zero and three are then entered as values. Zero stands for positions that do not influence each other, three for positions with a great influence. It is crucial for the subsequent evaluation that the correct factors are found and named and that the correct evaluation is also given.
evaluation
The evaluation itself is again quite simple, since it is only added (for active and passive sums) and multiplied.
From left to right, the active sum (AS) is formed in each line; it should indicate how strongly a factor affects other factors.
From top to bottom, the passive sum (PS) is formed in each column, which should indicate how strongly a factor is influenced by other factors.
Peter Gomez and Gilbert Probst also used the Vester method in 1987. In Frederic Vester's professional planning and management tool "Sensitivity Model Prof. Vester®", the "influence matrix" is one of nine steps in the comprehensive system analysis according to Vester. In the step of the influence matrix, the product P or the quotient Q of the active sum and the passive sum is also formed and mapped in the distribution of roles. Active elements have a large Q value, passive elements have a small Q value. Critical elements have a large P-value and inert elements have a small P-value.
In 2001, Falko Wilms integrated the methodology into a consistent overall concept of system-oriented management, which consists of a metatheoretical anchoring, a theoretical context and a practical implementation with concrete tools. Among other things, the idea of the tool, initially called a paper computer and then an influence matrix, was consequently continued on the basis of the priority matrix.
Use and application
The paper computer can be used by a single person or in groups. The time required is significantly greater in groups. Times are set from one hour for one person with a simple task to multi-day runs for complex topics in groups.
The method is increasingly used in seminars , symposia and workshops , in advanced training courses and coaching , as it can be easily carried out on flipcharts .
The applications are based on values in the value range of 0, 1, 2 and 3 that are assessed as plausible. However, as with all rating scales with at least four distinguishable values, the thesis applies that the users implicitly assume an interval scaling. If this thesis is affirmed, then the values given in a completed paper computer can be interpreted as interval-scaled and quantitative methods can also be used in a further step.
The game Ökolopoly designed by Frederic Vester in 1980 and its successor, the multimedia simulation game “ecopolicy®” , also works on the principle of the paper computer .
literature
- Vester, Frederic: The Art of Thinking Networked . dtv, 6th edition 2007
- Vester, Frederic: Metropolitan areas in crisis . 1976
- Ossimitz, Günther: Materials for system dynamics . 1990
- Ossimitz, Günther; Lapp, Christian: The Metanoia Principle. An introduction to system-compatible thinking and acting . 2006
- Gomez, P .; Probst, G .: Networked thinking in management. A holistic problem-solving method . 1987, in Orientation
- Wilms, FEP: System-Oriented Management . 2001, ISBN 3-8006-2389-7 .
- Ninck, A. et al .: Systemics - Networked thinking in complex situations . Industrielle Organization Verlag, 4th edition 2004
- Mayer, Horst O .: Interview and written questionnaire , 5th revised. u. exp. Ed., Oldenbourg Verlag, Munich / Vienna 2009, ISBN 978-3-486-59070-8 .